You are SO right…scary as it is, grade school is when it starts now. I remember being in grade school and being “in love” with a boy, and I daydreamed entire days away wondering what it would be like if he kissed me (mind you, my frame of reference was kissing my dad…quick pecks and that’s it!) Not so with these kids!

I have had several conversations with Second Son already (and you are right, the first one was the hardest and most embarrassing and I would rather have had all my teeth pulled – but we both lived through it) but this one is the first one where I’ll be saying, “Ok, look…I know it’s going to happen sooner or later – I vote later…WAY later – but I want you to be prepared and informed and also know that no matter how embarrassing, I’m here if you need to talk.”

I have these kinds of conversations with Oldest Son, and it’s no longer embarrassing (well, ok – maybe still a little embarrassing), but I’d like to be able to keep the door open forever, like you say, for all 3 of my kids.

So…yes, when I’m done with Second Son, I’ll be moving on to PDD. And I think this summer is going to be the summer of the ‘bra’…my boobies erupted onto the scene between 3rd and 4th grade, and it looks like the same is going to be true for her. I suspect there will be multiple ‘girl talk’ conversations between us this summer.

Suzanne

Oh and about those condoms and “sex talk” with the kids. . . I am hearing ya gotta start like around 3rd and 4th grade these days! Honest! The kids are “doing” each other (mostly orally, but still. . . ) in grade school. GRADE SCHOOL!!! Yeah. Parents need to get with the program and have those sex talks sooner rather than later!

Most parents I know would rather have all their teeth removed (without anesthesia) rather than do this — but your kids (and their safety and health) depend on you stepping up to the task BEFORE they need to know.

It’s a different world out there than when we were all kids — even a decade makes a difference.

So. THANK YOU for thinking about it — and for doing it.

And, umm, in case you didn’t catch the hint buried deep within this post, LOL, immediately after you get through with your son, get hold of your daughter and have a related-but-different version of that same conversation with her. Let her know how to stay safe no matter what’s going on.

From what I’m hearing from the kids, it’s embarrassing but they would rather know that you are there for them no matter what — and where you stand on all the issues (including drugs, sex, relationships, and all that good stuff.) And keep the door open forever — so there will be a safe place for them to go when “it” hits the fan (if “it” ever does.)

Go for it! Your readers are behind you 1000%!

Nancy