On Plucking Petals and Reaching Readers

Photo by AForestFrolic: Funky Cupcake Toppers

As we start to wind down Mother's Day week here on the blog, I have an announcement, a reader response, and an invitation. Read on, Friends.

First, after receiving such a huge response to my solicitation for answers to Mother's Day questions (hundreds of you were willing to answer--thank you!) I've decided to continue asking questions and posting answers here on the blog. Obviously you've got a lot to say, and I am listening!

(This is what a home management network looks like. Love it!)

In other words, be warned. Questions coming to an inbox near you.

Second, I want to share a response from a reader, Anna, who answered this question: As the mother of boys, do you teach them tasks that involve home management? Why or why not?

As the mother of boys, I consider the skills necessary to maintaining a home to be life skills that are not gender-specific. My sons may not marry, or marry later in life. They may marry a woman that has been gifted with other strengths, or they may just need to pitch in and help because their wife works outside the home. Cooking, cleaning, and organizing are skills that I am teaching our boys in a methodical, deliberate way.

Teaching them to appreciate the small touches of beauty that make life more enjoyable is not as easy as teaching a step-by-step task like making their bed. Right now, my rough-and-tumble boys tend to think flowers are made for plucking petals, candles are fascinating because they are fire, and decorative pillows are for throwing at one another. With continued effort and guidance, though, I'm hoping that they will come to appreciate these things as added touches of comfort to their home life.


Lovely answer, Anna! Thank you!

Finally, I invite you to return on Sunday for an open letter to mothers in waiting. Have a great weekend, Friends!