Clarification....

I feel I must clarify something, just so that I don't end up being associated with a particular behavioral pattern that I absolutely DO NOT agree with.

The name, Momma Bear...it's what I called my Momma.  She called me Claire Bear.  So then she became Momma Bear.  I happen to love tradition, so that's why I go by "Momma Bear", my husband is the "Papa Bear" and my little ones are "bear cubs".

Now, (esp. since I have little menfolk) what I want to avoid be associated with is the dreaded "Momma Bear Syndrome".  You know what I'm referring to, the mothers who fight every battle for their precious little boys.  Never allowing their sons to take responsibility, take a hit, and essentially, causing them to be effeminate.  I love my boys and I adore their sweetness, but I am raising men, not molly coddled babies. No, no, no.  Being a man that serves the Living God takes guts, and that's something they will never have if I am always coming to their defense anytime a problem arises.  How will they defend a wife and family if they can't even stand up and defend themselves?  Does this mean that I'm not tender toward them?  Of course not.  On the contrary, it is because I am tender toward them that I feel this way.

*Whew!*  There!  I'll shove my soap box back in the closet for a while. :-)