Strength
Boys seek to be strong and powerful. This shouldn't come as a surprise, but I have to remind myself that even young boys have these innate desires. Our two oldest sons are constantly (I mean several times a day) trying to outmuscle each other. They wrestle, play tug of war with toys, chase, mock, kick and scream at each other. Occasionally, our two year old will win a power battle over the four year old. Oh boy, when that happens there is usually a counter attack of four year old rage. Our boys expel their aggressions on each other and I often feel there is no way to prevent this. I say to myself, isn't this what boys, especially brothers, are supposed to do? There are even times their father and I participate in playful games of who is stronger/better. Unintentionally, it's as if we are pitting them against each other. Who can kick the ball the farthest? Who can run the fastest? Who can lift the plastic chair and put it in the kitchen? I wonder if we are doing more harm ...