I've been a little "on-edge" lately. No, not because of the trade or anything like that. Our son has his FIRST GIRLFRIEND. I completely understand that they're going to grow up and this will happen, but NOW? We have a very open household with a policy of talking and just figuring it out together. Last night, I'm snuggled in to watch Sopes game and our 12 year old Jake came and sat with me. Being a mom, you know when they need to say something. Reluctantly, I asked what was going on. "I want to kiss my girlfriend," he replied. WTF, was what ran through my mind. (Translation: "Honey, lets talk," is what came out.)
First of all, I felt so grateful that he would come to me with something like that. Do I wish that Sopes was home to help? You damn well bet so! Jake and I, along with Paul's help, went through the pros and cons of the situation. My biggest concern is him getting his little heart getting broken. It's easy to remember what it felt like with a first "love". It's also easy to remember the butterflies, and thinking that it would never go wrong.
When he does decide that it's the right time, I asked if he would tell me - of course Mom needs to write that down! Yup, I'm a sap! It's crazy that this is the same kid still snuggles, needs me at every turn, but thinks he has this grown-up side - yeah, not so much.
Last week, a good friend was just telling me that we only had five years until our little guys were off to college. Five years to help shape them into the men that they are becoming, doesn't seem like nearly enough time. We can only arm our kids with information and hope that they get it right.
BTW - In case you're wondering, I did have permission to write about this from Jake. NEVER would my interests come before theirs...
Thanks for the reality check. My boy is about to turn 10. Time sure flies by fast. Luckily, for the moment, he's at war with girls. His love for the ladies comes and goes. Soon he'll be heading for his first big crush and then heart break. It's awesome that your boy lets you into his world. My boy is the same way. I hope you'll do a follow up post entitled, "He Shoots...He Scores!" :)
Posted by: Vetwanabe2003 | 03/04/2011 at 11:51 AM
The great news is that he wanted to share and gave you his permission to blog about it. What a great guy. Hopefully it goes well for him.
Thanks for sharing
Posted by: Habbykins | 03/04/2011 at 06:57 PM
Oh my gosh ... I have a long while (fingers crossed) but this is a day I am dreading. The day he realizes there are other girls in this world, aside from Mommy. Keep us posted, if Jake will allow it!
Posted by: Hockey Wife | 03/05/2011 at 04:28 PM
As someone working in the field of cybersafety, and digital citizenship, you have demonstrated a keen understanding of how the technology can be used responsibly, by stating that you have Jake's permission to post this story. I'm really glad to see parents who are aware that they cannot just haphazardly talk about their kids in blogs without permission!
But I am also smiling - it'll come to me too, this day, and I'm sure I'll remember your experience so that I can handle my own situation...what a great family you are!!
Posted by: Lissa77 | 03/05/2011 at 04:43 PM
Im 5 months pregnant and these are the momments that I wonder about. How am I going to be able to give my kids the guidance that they need.
I truly admire the kind of relationship that you have with your children. I hope that my husband and I can be as level headed and open minded with out daughter.
PS..Your WTF momment made me laugh out loud lol :)
Posted by: Jessica | 03/05/2011 at 05:40 PM
My daughter is nearing 10, and she had come to me one day and said "Mom, can I have a boyfriend?" My first reaction was probably about the same as yours, and I calmly said to her, "Hannah, you are not allowed to date until you are forty." To which she replied, "Forty! Mom, are you serious, I'll be dead by then!" I was only teasing her (sort of) but the thought of her having a boyfriend kind of scares me, especially since I was a "late bloomer" with boys. Thanks for sharing this moment with us!
Posted by: Annielion 2000 | 03/06/2011 at 05:46 PM
It's great to see that your relationship with your family, your son in this case, is so open. And as hard as it may be to see your son starting to mature, being able to talk to you about it is something he'll be able to look back on and be grateful for. I've always cherished the relationship I have with my dad and knowing that he would always be there to listen and support my decisions is something I have, and will always, value.
All the best to your son, and to you :)
PS Missing Sopes Friday blog! Hope he gets settled soon, and is able to continue video blogging :)
Posted by: Audilim | 03/07/2011 at 10:05 AM