Tuesday, October 9, 2007

But I’m Not Ready

Last week Older Son attended his very first ever school dance. Pardon? When did he become old enough to go to a school dance? I’m not ready for that! To my mind he is still my sweet little baby boy. See? Wasn’t he just adorably cute? Don’t you just love that hair? Can’t you just imagine how soft it was?
Somehow he has become an almost 12 year old. I’m living with a “tween”. People always talk about girls being hormonal and moody. Well, I’ve got news for you all – boys don’t seem to be any different… The “discussions” have been about “personal style” and what is acceptable to Mom and Dad isn’t always in keeping with Older Son’s aesthetic… Fortunately for me, my sense of appropriate style is much closer to Older Son’s that his father’s is, so I’m the “nice parent” in those discussions. Since things always even out, I get to be the “mean parent” in other discussions. (Yes – in this context, discussion could be taken to mean “argument”.)
And then there are all of the middle school / junior high relationship issues. Who is going out with whom… Who was dumped by whom… Which girls are “mean girls” from a boys perspective. (Maddie S. isn’t doing well in the niceness sweepstakes but still seems to be able to attract the interest of a variety of boys just long enough to be able to break their very fragile young hearts.)
By the time that you put Younger Son, who is 7, into the mix, things can get very interesting. Younger Son has far too much personality than is good for him from time to time… He has discovered that teasing his older brother about having a “girlfriend” is immense fun! Immense fun until Older Son retaliates with a skilfully placed smack. And that usually lands them both in trouble. The message to Younger Son: teasing will not be tolerated. The message to Older Son: violence of any sort will not be tolerated.
And after the continuing saga of Younger Son coming home talking about how much Laura says that her older sister Kaitlyn likes Older Son, I finally had a conversation with Laura and Kaitlyn’s Mom. Shelly was suitably mortified for Kaitlyn’s sake, especially since she wasn’t sure that Laura’s version of the truth in any way resembled Kaitlyn’s! Yes, Kaitlyn likes Older Son, but maybe not in “that way”…
Since many people have survived the “tween” and “teen” years, I am sure that I will, too. But I’m also fairly certain that I will end up looking exponentially older.

7 comments:

Ariel said...

I have two boys, 19 (next month) and 11. That 11 year old can give any woman a run for her money on moodiness. I threatened him that the next time his bedroom door slams, it's coming off the hinges. I love the baby picture of your son. Back when they were sweet and cuddly. Then again, when Mr. Cranky Pants isn't having PMS he's such a sweetie and I wouldn't trade him for anything. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

km said...

Oh what I have to look forward to. It's only another 6 years and these last 6 have flown by. I love that picture of your son. Mike ordered me the tigger yarn from ebay. I can't wait. The pattern you sent the link to looks good. My almost 6 is already wearing a 2. 4 can't be far behind...but little feet are always chubbier so just shortening it should be good. I guess I should get myself some new needles. I just noticed on another site that there's 4ply and 6ply...and I have no idea what was purchased. I'm sure I'll have questions when it arrives.

inukshuk71 said...

Awwww, look at those big hands, so sweet. Those were the days, but he's talking to you, so that's a good thing. he could be all moody and secretive. At least you know what's going on in his head. Good luck with the tweening years. It's going to be alright :)

Lisa said...

What a wonderful post. I had girls, so I do inderstand moody. Who knew that boys were like that too. It's a great thing that you two can talk. Open lines of communication help with the transition into young adults....good luck and I know you will be great!

lulubelle said...

My mom says that my teenaged brothers are both worse than I was going through my worst PMS. And since I was an absolute monster...it must be bad.

And in response to your comment on my blog...you're cute.

And...NO!

Anonymous said...

Look on the bright side - he sleeps through the night though right? LOL

scappyhappy said...

Savor every moment...Stephanie Cake grew up way too fast! I still remember her little like that!