Trying to Navigate the Mind of a Pre-teen.

My son is 10--sometimes going on 3--sometimes going on 18.  What I mean is sometimes, he still wants to snuggle with me, or eat with his fingers like he's still a toddler.  Then he'll turn around and inform me that kissed his girlfriend at recess.  I'm confused, and if I am, I can only imagine how he must feel.

I was talking to a friend of mine about this, and she said that maybe having a girlfriend will help my son improve his social skills.

So does this mean that my son may actually take a shower every once in awhile?

No. Son says his girlfriend doesn't wash her hair, either.  Now that's true love!

Meantime my husband wants to avoid giving him "the talk" for as long as possible. I can understand that, but I'm beginning to think that maybe an age-appropriate conversation might be in order. My husband doesn't think our son is ready.  I think it's my husband who's not ready.

What I do know is that, except for telling me he kissed a girl, my son does not want to talk to me about these things.  This is when I thank God for cartoons and computers. After all, ask any man; electronics trump matters of the heart-- almost every time.

Some of my friends say that boys are easier than girls in their pre-teen and adolescent years. My take:  Girls may be more emotional, but boys can be sneaky, slippery little devils.  At least mine can.

His girlfriend has her work cut out for her.