“When I was growing up I always dreamt of having a big family. I never really thought about what gender our babies would be, as both tend to have their advantages.

We are trying hard to raise two confident, happy boys. If it didn’t require so much energy, I would happily have another four.

“When I was pregnant, John and I debated whether to learn the sex we were expecting or not; I really wanted to, so that we could plan and prepare, whereas John wanted a surprise. In the end we decided I would find out and keep the news to myself. That plan lasted until my ultrasound at four-and-a-half months… John left the room so I could hear the news, only to beg me to tell him in the car on the way home! We were both over the moon, and were thrilled when little Luke arrived, followed by Jack two years later.

“In hindsight I suppose I did have a few concerns about raising boys. I wondered how much cuddling and affection boys needed, as I mistakenly thought parents should be sterner with boys and John said he would never kiss them, as they needed to be tough.

“Needless to say, that lasted about as long as it took the midwives to hand Luke over, and we’ve never looked back. The upshot is that they are both so wonderfully loving. Right now Luke says he can only imagine marrying me, and I still get hugs and kisses when his friends are around, even though he does seem to want a bit more space already. Jack currently greets me with “Good morning Princess Mummy”, which sets the mood for the day.

“There are a few challenges, though, including the boys’ tendency to risk life and limb for no good reason. Throw in a bit of ‘clumsy’ and you’ve basically got a disaster – we’ve found that out the hard way. Every day we get what we call ‘Happy (Hyper) Hour’, which is actually a very inaccurate term, since it lasts for most of the afternoon.

“It involves the boys zooming after each other, followed by plenty of rugby tackles, flying jumps off the sofa and plenty of jumping on the beds. Hyper Hour extends beyond our home too, and Luke recently decided it was a good idea to ride his scooter down the slide, followed by plenty of crying and bloodshed, and with Jack right behind him desperate to try the same stunt.

“One of the greatest things about them is the way they get over their differences in a flash. The boys adore each other and declare their undying love for each other all the time – mixed in with a few fights through the day. They go from wanting to scratch the other’s face off to hugging in about 10 seconds.

“So, although it can get really tough and tiring, I am so grateful for my two boys and the daily joy they bring. We are trying hard to raise two confident, happy boys. If it didn’t require so much energy, I would happily have another four!”

Moira Delia is a TV presenter and mum of one to Gianni, 14. When she’s not encouraging him to enjoy his hobbies of reading and swimming, she presents educational programme Animal Diaries every Friday at 6.50 p.m. on Net TV.

“I knew from Day One, from the moment I found out I was expecting a baby, that I wanted a boy. I guess I got what I wanted, but there was never any doubt in my mind. I only have one female cousin, while the rest are male, so I was brought up playing with boys. I often ditched my girlfriends when I was little, choosing to leave them with their dolls while I joined the boys for a spot of running, football or wrestling.

“I felt confident about raising Gianni straight away, and think I would have found it harder to bring up a girl, as I’m not very girly myself. I love sports and so does my son; it’s something we share. I remember, when he was about three, he would sit inside my fencing bag and watch me train for a couple of hours at a time when I was on the national team. Today it’s my turn to watch him; he’s an excellent swimmer and dedicated to the sport.

“There are no bad bits about raising boys, and every stage so far has had its ‘best bit’. At the moment I enjoy sharing Gianni’s sense of humour; he cracks me up with his spontaneous witty comments. I love travelling with him as, at his age, he can appreciate all of the great food, art and history from different cultures. He is also really sensitive, and I appreciate his lovely words when we have long chats and in the cards he writes.

“I think one of the biggest challenges is in raising a boy with a strong character, which is what is needed in today’s world. At Gianni’s age, it is all about being popular and that can be worrying, especially when so many bars and clubs serve alcohol to teenagers. There are children as young as 13 out drinking shooters. It’s really shameful.

“I look forward to the future with enthusiasm – including Gianni bringing girlfriends home, as I’m sure we’ll have a good laugh over dinner.

Already we share our views on girls he likes, and the girl in question always ends up with a playful nickname. I’m also enjoying watching Gianni achieve his dreams, whether that is sport, or working towards becoming a surgeon one day. It is a really wonderful journey.”

Stylist and TV presenter Carina Camilleri and Pierre are parents to Ben, 23 (left), and Dale, 19 (right).

“When I was growing up, right until I got pregnant with both babies (both were totally unplanned), I didn’t think about children much; I didn’t really like children. Of course, all that changed when I became a mum.

“I didn’t know I was to have a boy on either occasion, but was thrilled when I did. Boys, apparently – and according to my girlfriends who have both genders – are easier to raise. Plus, had I had a girl, I would have probably have driven her crazy with wanting to style her.

“Both babies were born underwater, which was lovely and felt so natural – especially when having Dale, as Ben was present and the first to hold his new brother after the doctor. I don’t recall there being any challenges, although, like most mums, I was terrified when they were ill. Ben had pneumonia when he was eight weeks old, and Dale caught scarlet fever when he was only two. Both times it was very hard.

“But bringing them both up was wonderful, from the first steps and first words to their first days at school, when they both cried – as did I! Ben was a shy boy when he was little but has grown into an outgoing person, working as a model and photographer, and also as director of Models.com.mt.

“Dale was outgoing but has become more reserved. He is a PE education graduate, but is also very good at shaving his friends’ hair – so he may end up following in his father’s footsteps as a hairdresser. They are both high achievers academically and have made us proud. Throughout their lives, football has been a constant sport; Ben plays for Luxol and Dale for Pietà Hotspurs.

“As the boys grew up, Pierre and I set a handful of dos and don’ts, but tried to accept their decisions even when we didn’t quite agree. I think that tactic worked, and the boys have grown into great young men. We are often complimented on how polite and educated they are, which means a lot.

“When they brought girlfriends home, I knew I didn’t want to be the typical mum and, while I’m sure I don’t always succeed in being total unbiased, I have always tried my best. Thankfully, they both have amazing girlfriends with beautiful characters.

“Pierre, Ben, Dale and I are more like best friends than family, and that means the world to me. On a recent family holiday to Ragusa – including our dog Cody – we cycled, ran, ate and laughed so much together. Watching the boys get on so well was wonderful too, as it’s a mother’s worst nightmare for her children not to get on. It was the best holiday ever. I feel so very lucky to be their mum.”