Mothers have a peculiar opportunity to help raise noble men. Scientists postulate that the psychological, emotional, and social profiles of mothers play factors in the personality traits of the foetus. Mothers begin their roles long before the gender of the child is known. The first time I witnessed a breastfeeding mother “treat” a biting neonate, I shivered in disbelief and anger, thinking how could a mother be so cruel? Mothers can begin the taming and correctional processes long before the babe is aware of his name.

The breastfeeding process is a major link between the mother and the child that may leave lifelong effects on the child. While suckling, the child stares at the mother’s face and gleans from her joy or otherwise. The gentleness in voice and touch that the child learns in the process may remain with him for the rest of his life. Verbal and nonverbal communication, manners, cleanliness, love, and multiple formative things are ongoing during the babe’s mealtimes. Mothers begin to mould the boy long before he learns his gender.

The toddler and preschool days can be so overwhelming for everyone as the child navigates multiple developmental milestones with bursts of energy. However, this phase offers the parents fundamental opportunities to train the child – toileting, table manners, respect, the three magic words, obedience, faith, artistic skills, and so on. It is time to maintain a firm stand and guide the lad to do what is acceptable. The concept of right and wrong is being mastered at this stage.

It is important to chip it in again, that parenting is not intended for minors or adults who are not emotionally and mentally balanced. Folks who have not been well raised will struggle to raise young ones. Mothers who are victims of broken marriages and beleaguered parents should be humble enough to seek and accept the support of well-meaning people around them – the school, church, and extended family. Be polite and respectful with your children. Control the traffic and contents around you, by an exemplary lifestyle – not just by pointing or saying.

Sometimes in my teen years, I confronted my mother with the thought that she couldn’t have given birth to me. Yes, I chose to enjoy the unavoidable business frenzy that almost totally derailed my high school performances. But I didn’t enjoy the tough tackling and no margin for errors that came with it. Many adults in that community were not tasked with the heights of responsibility that she demanded from me, from us. Preferential treatments should not be reserved for male children, at all. Train them to do chores, cook, plan and attend to little ones.

When a young man begins to attain puberty, we should emphasize the need for them to have self-control, to be chaste, and to be virgins. Carefully emphasize to them how to treat ladies, reminisce what your husband did right, and use your understanding of your sons to patiently correct their flaws. The commitment with which mothers churn spinsters into excellent wives should also be extended to bachelors. The culture that unduly excuses the male folks is now hurting and killing the well-raised wives. The time to improve on our games is now.

More importantly, please be the best friends and godly defence counsel to your daughters-in-laws. This is one aspect that many mothers have so much to improve upon. That you had a bad experience doesn’t mean that your daughters-in-law should too. Let the agony you went through or saw others go through be your motivation to ensure that no woman endures such under your son’s watch. Mentor your sons to be noble men. Finally, the enemy knows the implications of taking out or weakening the head of a home and he has remained creative, although with the same old tools and errors. Please have them in your prayers.

Selah!

© SELAH SERIES 2022