Conversations with My Son

I love my son, Ronald, so much. He's such a great kid. He's 13 years old and at a seriously goofy stage in his life. My husband and I have raised both our kids to be outspoken and well-spoken. Sometimes I wonder if that's been a blessing or curse, when he's mouthing off or giving me his opinion on something.

Last night, he had a check-up at the doctor. I'm told 13 is a milestone for kids going through puberty. The only thing I remember happening when I was 13 was probably a bit of a boob growing. I was almost 14 when I got my first period, seriously behind according to some of my friends who had theirs at like 11 and 12. But according to the doctor Ronnie is on track with other 13-year-olds.

While we were waiting for the doctor to come into the examining room, we talked like we usually do. He's such a great kid - funny and kind and so smart. He had to fill out a questionnaire since he was 13, full of questions about his body changing and drugs and alcohol and sex. It gave me a chance to make sure I know what's going on in his life. I had heard that drugs and sex were rampant at his junior high school but I would be surprised if he or any of his friends, whom my husband and I know well, were involved in any such activities. I asked him about that and he said that mostly the "skateboard kids" were involved in smoking and drugs and maybe a little sex. But, thankfully, none of his friends were. He's a huge basketball fanatic and it's well-documented that kids involved heavily in sports or drama tend to stay away from such activities. (Thank God!)

We talked about his body changing and zits and such. I reminded him that "deodorant is your friend" for what seems like the umpteenth time. He says he's not used to certain smells showing up if he forgets a step in his morning hygine routine. I'm still trying to convince him to use soap on his face. I think I may have made some headway on the deodorant issue, though.