My precious boy,
I should start by saying I love you more than you’ll ever know. I know you’re getting bigger and bigger every day, but you will always be my baby. I know that’s starting to bother you, too, because of the comments you’ve been getting from the moment you were born.
“Oh, he’s a mama’s boy,” because you couldn’t sleep without me holding your hand, rubbing your belly, or massaging your back. “Oh, he can’t seem to be apart from you – he cries the moment you leave the room,” because you summoned me and stretched your little hands toward me every time I entered the room.
“No, you shouldn’t do everything he wants you to do – you’re making him soft,” because I rocked you to sleep, comforted you when you cried, and snuggled you when you woke up.
I don’t know why everyone refers to you as a mama’s boy (and paints that as a negative thing), but I know there’s nothing wrong with being close to your mother.
No matter how soft, weak, or feminine they say you are, there’s nothing wrong with being a mama’s boy. No, there’s nothing wrong with turning to your mother when you are having a hard time, need a shoulder to cry on, or someone to talk to.
No, there’s nothing wrong with taking care of your mother, appreciating her efforts, and rewarding her help. Now, your “friends” might tease you that you’re a mama’s boy to put you down, anger you, and provoke a reaction out of you.
But they’ve probably never been surrounded by strong women – or they’ve never seen the value that women bring to the table.
You, my boy, have been raised by a hands-on mama and three warm-hearted, devoted sisters. You’ve been surrounded by strong women your whole life. You were destined to be a mama’s boy from the get-go and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Being a mama’s boy means you have a great relationship with the woman who gave you your life. With the woman who carried you under her heart, nourished you with her body, and protected you from the world for nine months. With the woman who made you who you are today.
No matter what, don’t allow anyone to make you believe there’s something wrong with hugging your mother, running to your mother’s embrace, and crying on your mother’s shoulder.
When you were little, you used to run to me every time you encountered a problem. I was the only one who could understand your broken sentences, frustrations, and struggles. When you would run around the apartment and collide with the table, you ran to me for comfort.
When you got sleepy, you wanted me to carry you to bed, read you a bedtime story, and rock you to sleep. When you would try to understand something the grownups were talking about, you turned to me to explain what was going on.
You are the brightest boy out there and I hope you don’t allow anyone to tell you otherwise. You are the light of my life and that’s all that matters. You aren’t just a mama’s boy, you’re a boy who shows affection and appreciation for all the mamas. You are what every boy should strive to be.
Being a mama’s boy means you are strong, confident, and secure enough to fight the stereotypes that come with that label.
People are quick to point fingers because they’re fighting their demons. They’re even quicker to make comments such as “You’re weak because you cry” and “You’re girly because you show affection to your mother.” They’re projecting their insecurities onto you.
They’re allowed to think whatever they want to think, though. But that doesn’t mean that they’re right. That doesn’t mean that being a mama’s boy is something negative. That doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong or you’re supposed to change to make them more comfortable.
Being a mama’s boy means you’re ahead of your time. I know that because I’m the one who taught you to express your emotions, show care and compassion, treat people with affection and attention, and spread happiness wherever you go.
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I never wanted you to grow up confused about your emotions, resent me for not showing you how to say “I love you” without cringing and frowning, and hate me for not teaching you how to show love.
I love the way you hug me when you come home from school. I love the way you run to me when I get back from work, embrace me, and smooch me. I love the way you say “I missed you, mama!” and make my day infinitely, immeasurably better.
Being a mama’s boy means your mama raised you right!
I love you more than words can say and I know I raised you right. You know why? Because you love me as much as I love you, too.
I don’t know why the world doesn’t seem to understand that men need love. But I promise to spend the rest of my life making sure you know there’s nothing wrong with loving and being loved.
I know you’ll grow up and our relationship will change. I might not be the one you come home to. I might not be the one you go to when you’re happy, sad, or confused. I am okay with that – as long as you know I will always be your mother and I will always be there for you. I will always be your haven.
No matter what anyone says, there’s nothing wrong with you. I know I’m repeating myself, but I need you to remember these words when you’re talking to your friends, defending your relationship with me to your girlfriend, or overthinking whether you should call me when you’re going through a tough time.
But for now, I want to savor every moment I have with you. I want to hold you tight, reminisce over everything we’ve been through together, and watch you as you nod off.
Love, Mama
