photo by Mickey van der Stap

It seems there are a lot of things that are changing in my life lately. I am not usually good with changes. It takes me a long time to adjust to new things, especially if I have no control over them.

Changes at my husband’s work, in homeschooling, in our neighborhood, in church, in personal relationships, in dietary things, even in myself as I go further in my pregnancy….changes are all around me. Some good, some I’m unsure of, and some I’m not looking forward to.

One change that has been repeatedly coming to my attention is the fact that my 9 year old is rapidly approaching pre-adolescence. *gulp!* He’s always reached milestones early, the poor kid has been wearing deodorant (or using rubbing alcohol) since he was 7. He already has to use face wash and shower every day. And the emotions??? Oiy! He has always been a tender and sensitive kid, and by no means a wimp, but the waterworks seem to be getting a little out of hand. I think that I am a little (ok, a lot) resistant to thinking that my little boy is growing and changing faster than I am prepared for. He still gives his mama kisses after all!

So, while there are some changes that I have no control over, there are some that I definitely can prepare myself for. Wanting to set my son up to successfully (as successfully and one can) navigate all of the changes he will be going through, while maintaining my sanity, I have two books that I am looking forward to reading.

The first one is That’s My Son by Rick Johnson. It is a book written by a dad, directed to helping moms understand their sons. Looks great, I’m excited to start this one.

The other is the classic that has never gone out of style Preparing for Adolescence by Dr. James Dobson.

Reading, praying, and seeking wisdom from other mothers who have gone before me will help make this particular change seem a little less overwhelming.