Look what I can do

Every day, I hear my children say, "Mom, watch me!" My boys are so proud of their new abilities, that they want me to see it. They tell me to watch them do something several times a day. Boys love to perform for girls, and men love to perform for woman. It's human nature. They all do it. My little guy said earlier today, "Mom, watch me stand on my feet and shut the microwave door without climbing." Or , "Mom, watch me jump my scooter over the half pipe." "Mom, look at this huge fish I just caught!" My teenager isn't asking me to watch him anymore, but he likes it when I notice his achievements. I watch his soccer games, I watch him change the oil in the car, and I watch him lay papers graded with A's on the table. At this age, my sixteen year old will measure himself while standing next to his Dad, or punch his Dad to test his strength. He likes it when I ask him to open a jar, or reach to the top shelf and get me something. He may not ask me to watch him, but he does like having his achievements noticed. My boys love affection, need affirmation, and desire an audience. As they grew into men, I don't think that will change. Although someday it may not be riding a bike, or getting A's, but they will want me to watch them become husbands and fathers with the same amount of pride.