By: Clavia L. Allen, CEO of Chosen31HandCraft™ Essentials
‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams." Acts 2:17;
I am a mother of two beautiful children. They both have their own personalities and it makes me love them even more for their individuality. Raising a son as a single parent isn't easy, but everyday I am learning how to raise my son to be the best version of himself, but won't be able to do without a great support system.
When my son was in my womb and I found out I was having a boy, I knew he would be a special child. I prayed and manifested he would have a beautiful singing voice and a love and gift for music like Uzmond Durrant (if you know you know) and when I heard Lauryn Hill's song "Zion" I knew that was the name I wanted for my son. Zion is an original Hebrew name meaning "highest point". I believe Zion would always be on the highest point, always on top and never defeated.
My son is awesome, but to keep it real he can be annoying. Yes, I said it, but I think it's safe for me to say although our personalities clash some days, I've taught him the importance of communication and expressing himself in a respectful manner. Sometimes he feels I "pick on him" and not his younger sister. He is 10 going on 11 and I always tell him no one can replace him, he's my first born and a big brother, and being the older sibling there are expectations and responsibilities that just come with the territory. Regardless of how he feels, we show each other love and I explain to him it's important to show love daily because we don't know worry about what tomorrow holds. I speak life into Zion, I always encourage him to have a positive mindset and the importance of speaking positivity into his own life.
I know everyone parental skills are different and there is no manual to be a "perfect parent", but as parents whether a single parent or a home with both parents, it's important to follow some guidelines when raising children, but our focus for this blog is raising boys. While doing some research, I decided to take notes on some important things I believe parents should do while raising their son(s).
Pray
Make God a normal part of conversations
Introduce them to God's word
Offer forgiveness and understanding
Be a visible example of Jesus
Channel their energy
Protect their spirit
Keep them close
Provide them with role models
Give them your time
Affirm their value
Nurture their spirituality
There are many resources out there that can help with raising boys. Regardless of what age your son is, show them love. They need us, especially our young black boys growing up in this society. We understand that the world is cruel so it's up to us to protect them, teach them to be strong, let them learn the importance of being a leader and the value of integrity and respect for themselves and others.
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Chosen31HandCraft™ Essentials will be hosting more workshops and lives to connect with YOU! We are tribe that will change the world!
Clavia,
Xoxo
I do feel the pressure that comes with raising not just a boy but a black boy. well needed post!!