So – for the past 12 years I’ve spent just about every spare moment of my time researching childhood – growth- learning- maturity – what to expect at what age – academics of every kind – teaching skills – Christ following skills – etc. Nothing I have read has had anything to help with what we have gone through this week with the onset of public puberty.  The Christians I’ve talked to seem to have a rigid approach to the onset of the changes in boys and girls. Shelter. Protect. Uninform or Misinform.  What they don’t know won’t tempt them. Don’t let them know its out there – and they won’t be attracted.

At first it was puzzling the reactions I received from baring my heart and experiences with my son with my close in person friends. I needed encouragement, support, advice, and people to come along side and pray us through this next phase. Those with 17-25ish sons seemed to really understand and be loving, and jokingly kind. Those with 2-11 year old sons seem to be in denial that my story might apply to them. My speaking it out loud might make their sons hit puberty. Fear. Anxiety. Fear of our influence now. Those with 11-16 year old sons seemed to have large eyes, silent speech, and apprehension of some sort. Some a knowing smile, but not a shared story.  I have re-focused my leisure time learning to read up on this crazy beginning stage to manhood. Preparing Your Son for Every Man’s Battle. Josh McDowell’s and Focus on the Family – The Pearls No Greater Joy – Random Blogs.  They seem to know that EVERY boy goes through these changes – and goes through the stages. They offer some grounding advice for how to face it.  Yet, Most of the moms I’m around seem to be living in fear or denial.  Fills my pondering thoughts.

Now, Just a year ago – or a month ago – If I had experienced the talk, especially from the young man, that they were progressing past the naivety of young boyhood, I might limit my son’s time with him  – mostly out of fear.  Fear of exposure. Fear of moving on. So my ponderings are not negative judgment. However, to my knowledge, remembering – no mom has shared any of these things with me. It is usually an overheard conversation between the boys.

If we don’t speak of it does it not exist?