Why Are Boys So Immature? - The One Year Father-Daughter Devotions

Why Are Boys So Immature?

Boys will be boys . . . because they’re boys. If a boy likes a girl, he might show his interest in a number of ways—none of which include actually telling her. Instead he might act goofy, be gross, show off, pull her hair, trip her, or generally be childish. Not exactly Mr. Suave.

On one particular day, a dad walked into his house to find his oldest daughter waiting for him. “Why are boys so immature?” she asked.

There’s not enough time to answer that question! Dad thought. Then his mind wandered back to his elementary years. Sardines for lunch in fifth grade, not because I liked them, but because I’d seen another boy gross out the girls with them the week before. Starting a club for my buddies called the “Iguana Club.” Throwing a dodge ball as hard as I could at a girl’s feet, hoping to impress her, but causing her to fall awkwardly and gash her left hand.

“Uh, Dad,” his daughter said, interrupting his thoughts. “You haven’t answered my question.”

The truth is, boys typically develop more slowly than girls—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s an awkward but real fact of life. As a boy enters his teen years, he’s often trying to figure out how to be a man while feeling like a boy, and looking for respect. But whether it’s a boy who bothers you or someone else who tests your patience, there’s one important response followers of Jesus should have: patience. Titus 3:3-5 reminds us that we were all foolish at one time, until Christ saved us through his kindness and love.

The next time someone really annoys you, consider what it might look like if you showed that person gentleness and humility—like God does for you. With God’s help, he or she might even grow out of it someday . . . even a boy.

Daddy-Daughter Time

Dad, tell your daughter about times when you were really silly or annoying as a boy. Discuss the best way to respond to people who annoy you or seem immature. Praying for them and showing some kindness can do a lot to help them. Resolve together to pray for each other for specific situations where you know you’ll be around some people who challenge you.

What’s The Word?

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. . . . But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”   Titus 3:3-5