The 3 Most Damaging Words You Can Tell Your Son

[Bettie]

74. Sorry about the tummy bugs

Sick kids are the worst, especially the little ones. It is exhausting.

The oldest of my three just turned 13. He's taking debate in his Talented and Gifted section at school and their current topic is the Death Penalty. I asked him what his opinion about it is, now that he's done research. We've never discussed it with him before.

He told me that it seems stupid to kill someone for killing, it is like telling him not to hit his brother by hitting him, it doesn't make any sense. Then, he asked how can it be right, if an innocent person gets killed for something they didn't do. He felt that was way worse than a guilty person dying for something they did do, but he also thought they were both revenge instead of real punishment. (Done rambling, but there is a point here!)

I'm very proud of him and glad I went the route of letting him feel what he feels instead of shoving it down and not forcing him into a traditional male role. I think that has made him overall a more compassionate and thoughtful kid.

Oh, one more anecdote. When middle son was in first grade, he got a question wrong on a worksheet. The question was: What member of the family takes care of babies? His answer: Dad and Mom. They were looking for mom, but their dad has done a lot of child care and housework over the years. (He also had no idea what 'dusting' is...lol).

Anyway, sorry for rambling, but it has been nice talking to you! I've really enjoyed it!