I’ve raised one boy to manhood. This second time around, with my 13-year-old son, I’m being even tougher, putting him through ordeals that some might, shall we say, question.

Like last Friday, at the mall. I sent him in with his twin sister, into a clothing store catering to teen girls and young women. I watched from a seat at a pretzel kiosk. He followed behind his sister, she loading him down with jackets, sweaters, and blouses as she pulled them from the display racks. Occasionally, she would try something on, and then toss it back on to the pile of clothes growing in his arms.

He rolled his eyes. He slumped his shoulders. He huffed exaggerated sighs as the minutes felt like hours.

And I just sat there thinking, you asked for it, in such a rush to become a man – now you know what being man is all about. (more…)