The 4th Grade Change

My little goobers started school earlier this month. (I started this post the day after school started but have been slammed at work)...

 I am now a mother of a 4th grader, which sounds very different from a mother of a 3rd grader. At least in my mind. He is now at an age where I can remember what I was thinking at that age...just oh boy! Time really moves so fast as a parent. My son is talking to me about "date jackets", girls, and the horror of Trump. When did we get to girls?!? And when did he get such formed opinions?!? 

Definitely mine and Will's son. We are two very opinionated people (although I think we balance well when to share and not to). Our parenting strategy has been to express our opinions to the kids when asked but we try to discuss both sides. We will say what we believe or think, but emphasize the importance of knowing for your self and what your thoughts and beliefs are. We will also touch on the fact that some people would not agree with what we think. We do this with God and the Bible too. I explain that I choose to believe what I do, but not everyone does.  His recent discussion about Trump was prompted by a title he saw of an article about DACA. 

Gone are the days where Will and I can spell out words to each other. We are now adjusting to a child that is a great reader and has a better understanding of right and wrong. He has been reading for a few years now, but he can read the big words and understand what they mean.  Like the other day, I had him text Will while I was driving. Totally forgetting what name I have for Will in my phone.  Colin read to me what Will had texted then says, "My Lover...huh?!" Oh my. 

I was thrown off by the "date jacket" reference. In the picture he is wearing my old OSU jacket from when I was a 3rd/4th grader. I asked him to explain what a "date jacket" was. He said, "you know those jackets guys who play sports wear on dates"...A lettermen's jacket! 

I imagine that we will have some interesting times coming up. Navigating what is age appropriate and different level of understanding. Plus, all that he picks up from his schoolmates.