Twelve.

 

I am the mum of a 12 year old. It certainly is a different age.

The signs of puberty are there.  Sitting in the car while I do the grocery shopping. Wanting to stay home a lot more. A little bit of attitude. A lot of XBox playing. Hair in places. Privacy needs. Embarrassing easily. A little on the negative side. Pimples. No more imaginary games.

I’ve got to get with the program. That’s for sure.

I’m reading How To Talk So Teens Will Listen and Listen So Teens Will Talk. I thought I’d have a whole other year to get my head around all of this but it’s come a little earlier than expected.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful age. The help I now get from this boy is so very much appreciated. Whenever I ask him to help me he mostly answers with a: “Sure, Mum.” He’s fun and funny and expressive. I love our chats. He loves gossip. Is this because he’s spent so much of his time with a female? But I’m so pleased that he loves to talk and share and discuss. He’s passionate about his interests and talks a lot more about the future and what he’d like to do for a job. He’s becoming less fearful about things that scared him when he was younger {being alone and the dark}. He’s become much more selective, socially, but still enjoys hanging out with younger kids, especially his cousins. His feet are already bigger than mine and it won’t be long {about 4cms to go} before he’s taller than me. His hands are gentle and strong and so remind me of my Dad. His pinky toes are just like my brother Josh’s. He laughs just like Josh as well. If Lew’s in another room laughing I have to stop and think. I could swear that Josh was in there. He’s still an animal fanatic. He still draws.

But it’s definitely a different age.

I embrace the teen that he is becoming and I hope I can get with the program enough, and quickly, to remain empathetic and understanding and remember what it was like when I was 12 years old.

Love you, Lew xxxxxxx

Kim xx