That first sentence alone is gold, Saima! Well worth reflecting on. I also found it interesting that almost all poll responses so far (including mine) show that our primary challenge/fear with setting boundaries w our boys is losing closeness and connection.
Thank you so much for this kind comment. You’ve picked up on something so real, that fear of losing connection is exactly what holds many of us back from setting boundaries. And yet, I’ve slowly learned that real closeness often deepens when there’s mutual respect and emotional safety. Grateful to be in this conversation with you. 😊
Thank you so much, Bridget, for appreciating the list. Creating boundaries with our sons isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most loving things we can do as mothers. Every boundary we set with care becomes a building block for their strength, respect, and emotional safety.
I concur, as a mother to 3 boys ages 27, 25, and 7. I also concur as a Nurtured Heart Advanced Trainer who has spent years teaching parents and educators about clarity and boundaries. It is not only loving, it is also the hardest thing a parent can do. 🖤
Thank you for sharing this Saima! It’s articles and posts like this that make me feel like I can be much more prepared to be a better mom in the future. I have years to go until Theo and I are at this stage. But if I can start learning now then I’ll be better equipped for the future! 🤍
Thank you for this and the book recommendation! I’ve not read that one 💙 as my teens have gotten older, I’ve loved the connection that has grown. They are amazing and sweet kids who are still learning and growing! 😁
Thank you so much for your kind comment and for appreciating the book recommendation! It’s such a special journey watching our children grow into amazing young adults. The bond we build with them as teens really becomes something we cherish deeply as they become more independent. It’s wonderful to hear your connection with your teens is growing stronger every day. They truly are amazing and still learning just like us!
Saima, this is such a beautiful and powerful guide. What moved me most is the way you wrote from a place of love and clarity, showing that setting boundaries doesn’t mean distancing ourselves from our sons, but actually drawing them closer through trust and care.
“Discipline without compassion hardens them, and compassion without discipline leaves them unsure”, that line is so true and so often misunderstood. You’ve explained this balance beautifully.
Each practical strategy felt accessible and thoughtful. I especially loved “name the behaviour, not the boy”, such an important and beautiful shift in language that nurtures both respect and emotional safety.
Your reflections remind us that presence isn’t passive, it’s intentional, steady, and transformative. You’re offering more than parenting advice here. You’re modelling a way of raising boys who know how to love, listen, and lead with kindness.
Thank you for creating a space where mothers, especially single mothers, can feel supported, strengthened, and reminded that love and structure are not opposites, but partners.
My pleasure! Your writing speaks with the kind of honesty that can only come from experience, and that’s why it lands so deeply. You’ve reminded me that even the quiet, consistent efforts matter more than we think. And yes, presence and patience are anything but passive, they are some of the strongest things we offer as mothers. I’m so grateful to keep learning alongside your reflections. ❤️🌿
Anna, thank you so much for your kind words. You’re right, starting early makes such a difference. We may never be perfect as mothers, but a prepared heart and mind can guide us through so much. Theo is lucky to have you thinking ahead with so much love. 🤍
That first sentence alone is gold, Saima! Well worth reflecting on. I also found it interesting that almost all poll responses so far (including mine) show that our primary challenge/fear with setting boundaries w our boys is losing closeness and connection.
Thank you so much for this kind comment. You’ve picked up on something so real, that fear of losing connection is exactly what holds many of us back from setting boundaries. And yet, I’ve slowly learned that real closeness often deepens when there’s mutual respect and emotional safety. Grateful to be in this conversation with you. 😊
Although I have one girl this info is useful
Absolutely, I agree, many parenting strategies do overlap, whether we’re raising boys or girls. I’m so glad you found it useful!
Love this list. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Bridget, for appreciating the list. Creating boundaries with our sons isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most loving things we can do as mothers. Every boundary we set with care becomes a building block for their strength, respect, and emotional safety.
I concur, as a mother to 3 boys ages 27, 25, and 7. I also concur as a Nurtured Heart Advanced Trainer who has spent years teaching parents and educators about clarity and boundaries. It is not only loving, it is also the hardest thing a parent can do. 🖤
Thank you for sharing this, it means a lot coming from a mother and someone with such deep experience in this work. I truly appreciate your words. 😊
Thank you for sharing this Saima! It’s articles and posts like this that make me feel like I can be much more prepared to be a better mom in the future. I have years to go until Theo and I are at this stage. But if I can start learning now then I’ll be better equipped for the future! 🤍
Thank you for this and the book recommendation! I’ve not read that one 💙 as my teens have gotten older, I’ve loved the connection that has grown. They are amazing and sweet kids who are still learning and growing! 😁
Thank you so much for your kind comment and for appreciating the book recommendation! It’s such a special journey watching our children grow into amazing young adults. The bond we build with them as teens really becomes something we cherish deeply as they become more independent. It’s wonderful to hear your connection with your teens is growing stronger every day. They truly are amazing and still learning just like us!
Saima, this is such a beautiful and powerful guide. What moved me most is the way you wrote from a place of love and clarity, showing that setting boundaries doesn’t mean distancing ourselves from our sons, but actually drawing them closer through trust and care.
“Discipline without compassion hardens them, and compassion without discipline leaves them unsure”, that line is so true and so often misunderstood. You’ve explained this balance beautifully.
Each practical strategy felt accessible and thoughtful. I especially loved “name the behaviour, not the boy”, such an important and beautiful shift in language that nurtures both respect and emotional safety.
Your reflections remind us that presence isn’t passive, it’s intentional, steady, and transformative. You’re offering more than parenting advice here. You’re modelling a way of raising boys who know how to love, listen, and lead with kindness.
Thank you for creating a space where mothers, especially single mothers, can feel supported, strengthened, and reminded that love and structure are not opposites, but partners.
Thank you, Saira.
Your words touched me deeply because you understood not just what I wrote but where it came from.
Yes, that balance between love and structure is hard-earned, and I’m still learning it every day.
You’re right, presence is not passive, and neither is patience.
When we mother with intention, it quietly shapes how our sons walk through the world.
I’m grateful you saw the heart behind this post. ❤️
My pleasure! Your writing speaks with the kind of honesty that can only come from experience, and that’s why it lands so deeply. You’ve reminded me that even the quiet, consistent efforts matter more than we think. And yes, presence and patience are anything but passive, they are some of the strongest things we offer as mothers. I’m so grateful to keep learning alongside your reflections. ❤️🌿
I am so grateful for you support too!
Stay blessed 😇
My pleasure! Likewise 🥰
Anna, thank you so much for your kind words. You’re right, starting early makes such a difference. We may never be perfect as mothers, but a prepared heart and mind can guide us through so much. Theo is lucky to have you thinking ahead with so much love. 🤍