I just love this thread too. My friend and I walk together a couple of times a week. We both have 13/14 year old sons. They used to hang out together, but they've never gone to school together, and now they have their own friends, etc. We both, my friend and I, are just loving this age - listening to them when their friends are over, or we're driving them someplace. They're sweet, and strange, and funny.
My dd is 11, and is also sweet, and funny, and fun. But she and I are both emotional, so we clash a bit more. But we're really close all the same.
I'm finding that this time in my parenting life is so fulfilling. The kids are both going out into the big world now, and discovering who they are. Their lives are going in different directions - even though they homeschool, and spend a lot of time together, they're so different in their interests! Tonight, they were playing together on the family room floor - rolling around and laughing together, just like they did when they were little. I love them so much!
I brought my 14 yr old to school today after a two week vacation. It was so sweet! Everyone was laughing with each other, chatting with the teachers and staff, happy to see each other again. I nearly didn't want to leave. I want to work there.
I love that age. The school has chiclren 3 to 15, but I was in the area where most of the kids are 10- 15, and the air was so full of giggles. They are so cute...and kind of awkward. Some are too small for their huge growing feet. I love their laughter...they are just so sweet and eager and chatty. So vulnerable and wonderful at the same time. They do need extra TLC at this age, but it's so worth it to give it and to have patience.
