Are we Believing Enough in our Boys?

Boys are typically overmanaged and underchallenged. Where did we go wrong here, with over-parenting them, yet not expecting enough from them? They want to explore, build and create. They want to be kings of their own domain. They want to be challenged, test themselves, and see what they’re up against, and see how they measure up. That’s why the world of sports statistics, professional racing, highest treks to the mountain top records, etc. are usually dominated by men.

They are wired for this, and their wiring is good. Their God-given roles will one day be protector and provider, leader and lover of their families. They need to exercise these roles now.

We recently had the chance to visit the Vienna Opera House in Austria. It was stunning. We saw a 30-piece symphony play Mozart’s pieces for a spectacular evening performance. About half way through, i noticed a young boy just a couple rows behind us. He was probably around 4 years old, out of the busy toddler stage. Yet he was wearing headphones and was playing a game on a tablet the entire show. I share that our section tickets were not cheap, because his seat cost at least $100. But he had been allowed to stare at a screen the entire performance, and had missed the incredible musical masterpiece. I saw him walking around and talking at intermission, and then back to the screen.

It’s a lot to ask for a young boy to sit that long. But give him the chance. He just might have been captured by the music. Teach him to count things on the walls, or make imaginary stories in his mind with the music and imagine his favorite characters. Let him be inspired by some of the world’s best music…ever…and let him be all the better for it. But if we immediately steal the opportunity for him to stretch and grow, learn to hear and enjoy the music…will he ever be capable of it?

Boys are wired for more. Let them take the risk, be challenged, and grow and stretch just a little more. Sometimes we have to get out of the way. They will definitely surprise you with what they’re capable of!