Teen years here we come!

Wow where do I start?? Well I have a son named Justin and he is 11 years old. He is at the age where he is beginning to really know who he is. He has been playing baseball for 4 years now. He loves riding his motorcycle (dirt). His dad and I ride too. It's something, as a family, that we love to do together.

The last couple of years he has been going through the "lying phase." Usually they aren't even big lies. Just silly little lies that aren't really neccessary. Of course I tell him about the little boy who cried wolf, but that just seems to go in one ear and out the other. I try to chalk it up to his age and that he will grow out of it. 11 is such a cool age. He's becoming such a young man. Starting to go through some changes. I just reassure him that these changes are not only normal but cool and exciting! Starting a new chapter in his life and it will be full of adventures. All the while I'm thinking "yikes, puberty, girls, driving ugh." But talking with him so openly has helped him and actually set his mind at ease. I have told him from the time he could understand that he can always come to me with anything and I won't judge him. If it's a problem I will help him work through it. Keeping the lines of communication open is one of the best things a parent can do for their child. My mom did it for me and here at age 36 I can still call her and she never judges me. She shares her thoughts and opinions with me and just lends a ear or shoulder when I need. That truly helped me when I was a teen.

So for all the fellow parents out there, I just want to say parenting is probably the most difficult, trying job we will ever be given but I commend you all and Godspeed!