30 Things I Want to Teach My Boys Before They're All Grown Up

As a homeschooling mom there are so many things I need to teach my boys; reading, writing, math, science, history, etc. that I often get bogged down in all the school type subjects they need to know.

But as a mom I know there's so much more I need to teach them about the world and the kind of men I want them to be.  Not being a man myself there is only so much I can teach them.  Yet, I know that as their mom I help mold their character and the choices they make that will determine what kind of adults they'll be.  Here is a list of 30 things I want my kids to know by the time they leave home:

• Don't compare yourself to others. You are no better than anyone else nor are they better than you.
• Real men do cry; just not over small things.  
• Take responsibility for your actions and apologize when you're wrong.
• Treat women with respect and make sure they treat you with respect too.
• Real men cook, clean, change diapers, and help out with household chores.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes, fail, or take chances.
• Life is short; live it to it's fullest.
• There are thing you want and things you need; you need to know the difference.
• Never settle for less than you think you deserve; but realize that the world doesn't owe you anything.  
• Books can take you places but put down the books and go places too.

• Life can be hard and it's not always fair, but it's easier if you count your blessings.
• Real men ask for help when they need it.  You don't have to do everything on your own.  
• You should always have at least 1 tie, dress shirt, pair of pants and set of shoes on hand just in case. 
• ANY job worth doing is worth doing right; don't half- a$$ it.  
• Promises should never be broken.  Your word is your bond.  
• You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but people often do so put your best foot forward. 
• Dress for the job you want not the job you have.  But don't be afraid to start at the bottom and work your way there.  
• Save a portion of each paycheck so you always have a little bit of money to fall back on.  
• No one likes a person that brags and belittles.
• It's never too late to right a wrong or learn something new.

• Real friends are there through good times and bad; fair weather friends are only around for the good times.  Know the difference and try to surround yourself with real friends.
• Pay off your credit cards every month or get rid of them.  Don't spend more money than you make. 
• Wealth is not just measured in dollars and cents.  If the only thing you have is money you are missing out on so much. 
• Respect is earned not given.  Be someone people can look up to and respect.
• A sense of humor and a positive outlook can carry you through a lot.
• You have a conscience for a reason- use it to help you make the right decisions. 
•  Put down the phone, turn off the electronics and tune into life. 
• Men can dance & those that do usually have more fun than those who watch from the sidelines; live life don't watch it pass you by.
• Love isn't always easy but it's always worth it.  
• You decide if you have been successful in life; it's up to you to define what success means. 

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