I ran across a cute story which I think you mothers will enjoy. Pushy parents usually get the blame for shoving 11 and 12 year olds into premature dating. But from the love that blooms unabashed in the fourth and fifth grades, I'd say that mothers manned the barricade as long as they were able. A 10-year-old boy I know was recently transferred to a new school. During his lunch hour on the second day, he found this note stuck in the top of his lunchbox. "Dear Freddy. I think you're cute. You may not like me, but do you like Betty? She likes you. Please check if you like me, or if you like Betty. We both love you. Please understand. Love Janet." The little boy, with a candor that simply won't last one more birthday, brought the note home for a little advice. His mother was still trying to figure some way to foot-work out of the weighty problem when the youngster decided to ditch girls forever and build a model car with Jimmy. The problem with playing Ann Landers to the grade school set is that these kids just don't play by the rules. What may appear to the parent to be a normal courtesy; holding a door for a girl loaded down with books for example; may be a public demonstration of undying love and broadcast school-wide by recess. To inject a serious note, if you are lucky enough to have your 10 or 11-year-old confide in you, take him seriously. Laugh or tease and you may never share another confidence with your child.
No comments:
Post a Comment