Raising boys

When it comes to raising boys people seem to have a lot to say. Many women I know accept or even condone rowdy or even bad behavior based on the simple fact that their child is a boy. Lately, I have found it interesting to witness certain almost inherent "male" traits coming out in Jasper. Although I have never taught Jasper to wildly wield a stick, throw rocks, or anything on wheels or in the sky he has a natural affinity for these things.

Growing up with two sisters and one brother I did not spend much time living in the world of little boys. At the moment, I am loving this new world that has opened up to me. I now not only stop, but intently sit on the sidewalk and watch the garbage men, fire men, and construction workers perform their daily tasks. I am grateful for a little boy who has opened my eyes to another part of the world I have near stopped to take notice of. 

We have been spending a great deal of time outside with all this gorgeous weather, so we try to mix it up between visits to various parks, the aquarium, the Volunteer Park Conservatory and monthly visits to Kelsey Creek Farm. I love how Jasper is equally interested in gardening and blowing bubbles as he is playing in the sand or with his mini basketball hoop. I know every child is different, but what is your formula for raising well rounded little boys?