The Art of Manliness

As a mother raising 2 boys I often find myself in a battle over two sides.  I frequently want to protect (probably excessively at times) but I also realize the importance of raising the boys to become real responsible men and not overly coddled grown up boys.

There is a website/blog called The Art of Manliness.  It is written mainly for men but I have to say I find it very interesting and often I find myself laughing out loud.  Today's post on their blog is titled, "Are The Suburbs Killing Your Manhood?" and there is an interesting post called "Quit Coddling Your Kids".  "In an effort to stop the wussification of yet another generation of
children, here are six ways young fathers can raise strong, resilient,
and independent children."
Every Thursday the blog takes an "Is it Manly Poll?".  They ask if a particular subject or object is manly.  This week's poll is "Are video games manly?"  So far the answer is "NO" (I totally agree)!  There is also a category called Manly Skills, which include: How to Avoid and Treat a Snake Bite, Guide to a Man Hug, How to Survive a Bear Attack, and How to Start a Fire Without Matches.  So go check out this site it is educational and entertaining!

Along the same topic of raising boys to be men, these are some books I have.  One is called The Dangerous Book
for Boys by Conn and Hal Iggulden.  I got this for Erick a while back.  It is filled with stories and adventures to do with your son. 

And then there is Future Men by Doug Wilson.  I really liked this book (I think I will reread it again soon).  Wilson is always interesting to read ;-) 

Also Erick did a great message on "Biblical Masculinity" earlier this year.

I'll end by saying I am married to manly man :-)  He wrestles horses all day in the Murrieta heat.  He gets kicked, bitten, and thrown around by some of these untamed beasts.  He comes home smelling like horses and sweat.  And occasionally he is splattered with blood and guts.  What is more manly than that?  My man is not only manly in the physical sense but also in the biblical sense.  He works diligently to lead, provide, and protect me and his children.  Thank you Erick for setting a good example for our boys and also for our future daughter to know what to look for in a future husband.