Raising a SON as a Single Mom.........Challenges and Joys

As many of you are aware, I have been a widow for almost 7 years, and in that time I have raised 3 kids from 6, 11, and 13. Today my post will be about the joys and challenges of raising a 13 year old boy. The 6 and 11 year old are my girls. So raising a boy in a home full of girls was a challenge all in itself. !

As a 13 year old boy, he was so full of life. He filled big shoes, of his father. He embraced the role as the man of the house. The first year I was working evenings, so he took the responsibility of cooking and doing homework with the girls, and monitoring bedtime routines.

After the first year, I decided that it just wasn't fair to allow my son to alter the natural path of his life to substitute for me while working and his father, so I resigned my position and stayed home with the 3 of them. So my son set out and made the most amazing transformation into a man. He became an Elite Althlete, and I supported him all the way, with the money I could.

He first started with a deep desire to compete.

Competitive Swimming

Then it was Triathlon

Then in the off season, why not try competitive skiing!

And when you have a son as an athlete, boy can they eat.

And he is know to be a little mouthy at times, especially his first time at camp.

Then his first Girlfriend, and Prom

Then onto University, and ran for the Cross Country team.

Today my son is going into his 3rd year of University as a Computer Science, Physic's major. He has chosen to plant tree's this summer and backpack across Canada, when he is done. This is mom signing off of duty to my 20 year old son, who will be just fine, I did a great job, with him.