Updated post
This photo of my boys is grainy and unfocused, but they are in sync with their steps and their color coordinated 4th of July attire. And this is what bonding with our children is about; getting in sync with our boys wherever they are in their day or mood.
When my daughter left for college I was living with a house of boys. Even our dogs were boys. And I found myself asking “the usuuush” questions: “How was school?” “Homework?” “Did you like your lunch?” You know the questions that inevitably have one word responses- bad mom questions! These questions get moms nowhere.
My after school routine includes transporting my boys from school to tennis or rugby practice. And, the boys were not too fond of my rendition of Bruno Mars’ latest hit. My boys “hijacked” my radio stations and set their favorite radio station to Sports Radio 104.3 (in Denver) to tune into “The Drive with Big Al and D-Mac.” Big Al is a former Denver Bronco. I don’t know his last name.. at our house he is just Big Al with the big laugh. My strategy was to glean a few talking points from the sports world and impress the boys with my questions or comments.
Sports talk radio is the “male version” of The View. It’s a whole lot of shouting, grandstanding opinionated sports enthusiasts and sometimes they are actually former NFL players. And, it is way more entertaining than ANY of the other radio stations or daytime shows.
That’s right! What began as a way to bond with my boys, I found to be refreshing and addictive. The banter between Big Al and D-Mac (and other local sports radio shows) was entertaining and better than any other late afternoon radio show. I spend the after school hours in my car (either shuttling kids or conference calls with west coast clients) so sports talk radio proved to be such a surprisingly, enjoyable break from the political shows or celebrity trash talk radio segments. And, the boys love the lively discussions between Big Al and D-Mac. Big Al is still ruminating about the devastating, SuperBowl 49. We still can’t talk about it at our house. Update: Denver Broncos are the 2016 Super Bowl 50 champions. Read about the Bronco ditch day my boys took.
Switching gears to another way I bond with my boys… I make them laugh or try something out of their comfort zone. The diy facials was their sister’s idea and it was a hilarious night of mud masks. Just look at the enthusiasm in their faces. We laughed and just happened to catch this photo without too much push back. Still one of my favorite memories with all three of my children. Their sister is working on them to get pedicures after tennis season.
Find out what your boys are listening to or interested in and surprise them with a pre-programmed radio channel! And you can thank me when your boys do a double take in the car! It’s nice to feel like the cool mom!
How do you bond with your boys?
PS This suggestion also works with girls. So no haters!
Awesome, Mom!!!