I have only one boy and he is the only one on his paternal and maternal side. So that is one boy among-st 7 girls. Fingers crossed, more boys will come! I give you this count cause at times he feels he is the only give and therefore needs to be extra pampered. I disgaree! He is only seven but I am on a mission to get him to be a good man growing up.

I come from a culture(I am of South Indian Heritage) wherein boys have always been favored than girls. They seemed to be a prized possession in every home. They may be drunk, a shoplifter or just a plain coward ; but unfortunately a boy child is preferred to girls. Totally unfair I know! Growing up they aren’t taught how to fend for themselves and even make a sandwich. It is appalling . The trend has started to change but the mindset will take a while to adjust. I do not want my son growing up like that.

He has to learn to clean up after himself, make his bed, separate the washed from the unwashed, load the dishwasher, clean the counter top and squeeze the paste from bottom up(the right way)! Squeezing the paste is a big one. I have tried for years with my husband, it is still a work in progress. I make a conscious effort to get him to do work around the house and be kind to his sisters. It takes a lot of work to get them to be that way. I have my set my desire to advise and direct my son in a way that he will learn to appreciate over the years. Things I want for him to be growing up, this will be an evolving list in the years to come –

He has to grow up and learn to express love in a healthy way. He needs to respect and appreciate women .

He has to learn the value of hard work, integrity and what it means to be part of a community

He needs to learn how to handle his baggage without being explosive and confrontational but wise and diligent.

He has to learn to communicate .

He needs to know how to fix a tyre and ride a cycle.

He has to be aware of what is happening in the world around irrespective of where he lives.

He has to empathise and give to the needy.

He needs to learn to pray and trust God in his daily life.

I know if I do my job right and raise my son with self-esteem, love and wisdom; He will be the man he was meant to be. I look to the Bible for comfort , understanding and my standards while I raise my boy conventionally in an unconventional world.