BY & FOR BOY MOMS EVERYWHERE

I am your mother!

Being a boy mom is a whole adventure. You want to be their friend, but you also have to be a disciplinarian. And before you know it they’re taller than you and calling you “bruh” instead of mom.

Starting with my son’s endless toddler energy, I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and the daily surprises that come with raising little guys. But nothing quite prepared me for the day my 4-year-old son casually started calling me “Bruh” and the months since when he just simply hasn’t stopped.

Yes, you read that correctly. BRUH. Here I am, his mother, raising him, loving him, teaching him… and apparently, I’m also his “bruh.”

So 4-year-olds are now learning urban dictionary slang in kindergarten? Apparently, he’d been picking it up from older cousins, music, and-well-me.

The First Time It Happened: What Is Happening Right Now?

It was a typical Saturday morning. I was sipping my lukewarm coffee, scrolling through my phone, and trying to half listen to a podcast while convincing my son to eat breakfast. After some coaxing, I finally got him to sit at the table but he wasn’t interested in whatever I was serving.

“Bruh, I’m not hungry,” he said, looking up at me while half running out of the room.

I froze. “Who is your… bruh?” looking behind me for someone who must be standing in for his bruh.

“Uh, you,” he said half joking, half fearing for his life. Then he ran to the living room to try to put some distance between us.

“Uh… I’m not your ‘bruh,’” I screamed after his pitter pattering feet, while trying to keep my cool without giving chase.

I sat there, trying to process the fact that my 4-year-old son had been so brazen. It was funny, but also striking. Did I want to be his friend? How I handled him calling me “bruh” could be make or break.

The Daily “Bruh” Fest

It became a regular thing. Every morning, it was “Bruh, I want pancakes.” Later in the day, “Bruh, can you get me some juice?” And then, after a tantrum: “Bruhhhh, five more minutes!”

At first, I tried correcting him, explaining that “bruh” was a term used by friends, and I was his mother. But the more I talked about it, the more he did it. Just to piss me off.

“But what’s wrong with be a bruh, mom?” he’d ask, giving me that innocent look that melted my heart but also filled me with utter confusion.

I mean, I get it. Boys tend to be affectionate in their own way, right? But when your 4-year-old is calling you “bruh,” it feels like you’ve stepped into some alternate universe where you’re both his mom and his homie. It’s like a weird blend of parental authority and casual friendship, and let’s just say it’s a tough balance to navigate.

Why I’m Not His ‘Bruh’ (But I’m Secretly Kinda Flattered)

Here’s the thing: I’m his mother. I’m the one who wipes his tears, makes his meals, and enforces bedtime. I’m the one who spends hours cleaning up the aftermath of his messy room and reading the same bedtime story 5,000 times. So no, I’m not his “bruh,” I’m his mom. And while I would love to be considered cool enough to be a bruh, there are some boundaries here.

But, let’s be real for a second—being called “bruh” isn’t the worst thing your son can do to you. In fact, it’s kind of hilarious and maybe a little sweet. At least I don’t have to worry about him thinking I’m such a tyrant of a mom that we can’t laugh together.

But if he starts calling me “fam” or “bestie,” I might not make it.

I may not be his bruh, but I’ll always be his mom. And whether I’m bruh, mama, or even “bro,” I’ll take whatever nickname he throws at me. After all, it just means that he feels comfortable enough to be himself around me. And that, my fellow boy moms & mums, is what it’s all about.

How to Handle Your Son Calling You “Bruh”

If your son ever starts calling you “bruh,” here are a few things you can do:

1. Laugh it off: Seriously, it’s hilarious.
2. Gently remind him: It’s okay to tell him that “bruh” is for friends, not parents.
3. Do it back: Sometimes, calling him “bruh” back can be a bonding moment. Calling him “bruh” around his friends is also appropriate payback.
4. Remember, it’s just a phase: Kids are always evolving in their language choices, so don’t stress it too much! It’s not profane and it can be a sign of endearment.

Embrace the mess, the growth, and the joy. As a boy mum, there are many other important things you’ve got to worry about.