The joys of raising a boy or girl

Boy joy

1 You, mom, are the number one woman in their life. When they tell you you’re beautiful, they actually mean it.

2 They are daring, impulsive and high energy. They make you try things you haven’t done since grade four. (Monkey bar backflip, anyone?)

3 When you play superheroes with them, Mom always gets to be Wonder Woman — unless you’re being “bad guys,” in which case you get to be Catwoman.

4 No dressing drama (well, almost none): They’d wear the same shorts and T-shirt every day if you let them.

5 They love to help with “manly chores,” such as installing a new toilet, taking out the garbage or digging in the garden.

6 They look like warm, fuzzy bear cubs when they’re wrestling — until someone gets hurt. Then they look like the babies they once were, who need the comfort that only you can provide.

7 They don’t look you up and down and disdainfully ask, “What are you wearing?”

8 In their eyes, Dad is the strongest, smartest, funniest guy — ever.

9 You can always make them laugh with two words: fart and poo.

10 On warm spring days, they’ll burst into the house, full of love, and hand you the wilting bouquet of dandelions they picked just for you.

– Hailey Biback, mom of two boys

Girl gems

1 They want to be just like mom when they grow up.

2 Tea parties are hosted daily and you’re the guest of honour (most days anyway; sometimes that distinction goes to the favourite doll).

3 I have yet to meet a boy who says “I love your hair , Mommy!”

4 Two words: shopping buddy.

5 Their favourite mode of transportation is Daddy’s shoulders.

6 Pink clothes, pink toys, pink bedroom: There can never be too much pink.

7 Dreams of being a prima ballerina will come rushing back the first time you see your girl in a tutu.

8 No spray at diaper time.

9 Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Aurora, Briar Rose — girls love that you know all their favourite princesses.

10 Their favourite thing to draw is Mom and Dad dressed as a king and queen.

– Lisa van de Geyn, mom of one girl