Moodle

My son turned 11 about a month ago. I thought I was happy, until I realized that he was a tween. Yes, a tween. In case you don’t know what that is, it’s that stage between a kid and a teen. While it sounds innocent enough, it isn’t. It sounds cute, but it’s not. Those of you who have a child who has been though this stage know what I’m talking about. Tween = a teen who isn’t ready to be a teen.

This last week things really took off. My son who has had almost no interest in girls suddenly had not one, not two, but three girlfriends in less than 10 days. I was in shock! Now, before you really freak out, let me explain what all of this means at our school. Keep in mind yours might be different, so ask questions. It’s a good habit to be in anyway, the more your kids are used to talking to you now the more natural it will be as they get older. “Going out” for our 5th grade class simply means that a boy and a girl openly like each other. That’s it, nothing more. Do I like this? No way! Do I think he’s ready for this? Heck no! Can I stop it? Nope - so I’m trying to use it to open the door to good conversations.

For example, the latest girlfriend had just broken up with his good friend Friday morning. Friday afternoon, my son asked her out. His friend told him that was fine, but it’s a good thing to talk about. How we should respect our friends and our friends feelings. Another thing I heard my husband talking to him about was how to treat girls. What is it that makes him like someone? Stuff like that. I hate that we’re at this point (he’s still my baby!) but if he’s going to grow-up I want to make sure I keep the lines of communication open.

As hard as it is on us, I have this strange feeling it’s way harder on the girls Mothers. While my son isn’t taking this too seriously, I have seen some of the girls and know that they are. I dread the day my daughter starts to (dare I say it?)… LIKE BOYS! At least 5th grade is still 3 years away for her!