Real Talk: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide

The Most Relatable Mom

Although I’m a mom of three young daughters, I still found lots of value in Suzy’s self-help book that’s under 180 pages.

Yes, it’s full of sensible and funny insights on parenting boys. Fittingly, Suzy is a mom of two grown sons—nicknamed Earnest and Exuberance in her book. Yet, I constantly found myself thinking, Oh, I’m going to try that!

For instance, her classic line: “Figure it out, or I will, and no one will be happy!” This was in response to her sons arguing. Note: it’s effective for girls too.

Submarine Parenting: A major concept of her book, it’s the opposite of a helicopter parent, something many of us (including me) are guilty of. “Submarine parents float beneath the surface, giving our children the illusion of independence while we fact-check information . . . and on rare occasions, surface in a full breach and pull them back into compliance.” One of her many tips for raising happy, independent boys that I’m learning is strategic for girls too.

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MOB: A Different Beast

As a girl mom, I had mixed emotions reading this book. I was jealous of both sons’ ability to move on from a conflict with minimal parental support. I’m in a constant emotional whiplash state with two-, four-, and six-year old girls. They forget and forgive NOTHING.

Yet, I soon changed my tune and had such sympathy for Mothers of Boys (MOB). “Sister Sense” refers to tips Suzy picked up from her nine sisters-in-law and sister-friends. One in particular advised MOBs to befriend the mother of a female classmate for essential information like picture day, science projects, school dances, etc. This is because boys often fail to notice or communicate critical information.

Suzy shared one of the first challenges of being a boy mom: teaching your son how to pee in the toilet.

“We’re very motivated that they are successful with this stage of potty training so that our bathrooms don’t become a disaster,” Suzy said. “The reality hits you pretty quickly that the plumbing is different, and raising a boy is not raising a ‘little me.’”

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Community Vibes

In talking with Suzy, she also summed up why her book is a must-read:
“New moms will find it a helpful resource as they begin to figure it out. Mothers ‘in the thick of it’ will appreciate that the journey is bumpy, they are not alone, to keep their sense of humor, and be kind to themselves. It will remind moms who have launched kids of their forgotten adventures.”

I find it amazing how moms can be surrounded by multiple tiny people but feel so alone—like they’re the only one struggling with a particular issue.

Suzy’s efforts don’t stop with her book—she also co-hosts The MOB Podcast with Cheryl Bohn. Recently launched as a resource for moms, the podcast features 20-minute episodes (because, let’s be real, moms are busy) and airs new episodes on Wednesdays. It shares real-life experiences from mothers and practical advice from professionals.

“It’s my hope that a community of supportive moms grows so we can together build a better world of humans,” Suzy said.

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Be Kind to Yourself

One of the strongest reoccurring themes throughout Suzy’s book and podcast is kindness. Like she wishes she’d been more of during her time in the MOB trenches, she is so incredibly kind to the reader. She hopes readers will be kinder to themselves on this parenting journey.

Each podcast ends with the reminder: “Be kind to yourselves, moms!”—and they mean it.

Suzy doesn’t only mother her sons. She mothers all of us. Her readers most of all with her honest reflections and “aha” moments. Thanks to Suzy for her efforts to build the MOB community. I can’t wait to pass along her book to my MOB friends. For those who want their own copy, buy the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Archway.

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About Suzy Shaw

Suzy Shaw is a professional storyteller, digital marketing consultant, and TV producer. Her first independent production, Pride: Legacy of the Baltimore Clipper, was a documentary narrated by James Earl Jones that chronicled the history of the original Pride of Baltimore, its sinking, reconstruction, and the launch of Pride II. Visit MothersOfBoys.life to learn more about Shaw’s book/podcast and join the MOB community.