Twenty Things a Mom Should Tell Her Son

Last night, it was super quiet around our house. Andrew was back in Boone for a meeting, Kevin was in the northeast on business, Carson was teaching middle-schoolers to dance at cotillion and Alexandra was back at UNCC. After several days of a full house, the stillness was deafening. Carson came home, really tired, and collapsed beside me on the couch. After a few minutes, he said, "it's TOO quiet in this house. I don't like it." I looked at him funny, and said, "DUH! That's what I've been saying. You have to remember to CALL YOUR MOM when you go to college next year because this is how it will be half the nights. Remember me." He just smiled at me that handsome grin, then gave me a hug.

So today, I come across this great advice for boys. Sorry, didn't see anyone to credit for writing it. Hope I've done my best with my awesome boys, since they are now grown. But I especially loved number 20... and no, I didn't edit it for my purposes. ;)

TWENTY THINGS A MOM SHOULD TELL HER SON

1. Play a sport.

It will teach you how to win honorably,lose gracefully, respect authority,

work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble.

And maybe even throw or catch.

2. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship,

so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.

3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it someday.

5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron,

vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight,

but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone

and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career

and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private".

Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.

17. It is better to be kind than to be right.

18. A sense of humor goes a long way in the healing process.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely.

My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me

 spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.