[Jenn218]

I can sooo relate!

My daughter (Katelyn - and always will be Katelyn to me), changed her name to Kate when she started 6th grade. Some family calls her Katie and she can not stand it.

The first dance wasn't bad........most of the boys stayed to one side, vice/versa. There were a few dancing, but mainly only to the faster songs where it didn't seem like they were even together!

Boys, Boys, Boys......I think for my daughter the boy craziness started in 4th grade, but (thankfully) the boys didn't care for girls then. (She was the PeeWee Youth Homecoming Queen and had 4 escorts, it was funny because two boys really enjoyed it and the other two were so embarrassed, they looked so scared). Then in 5th grade, the boys were everywhere! Following us around Wal-Mart, calling, etc.

We homeschool now (this is our second year - her idea, but I love it) and she has grown so much more, I think! We still have boys call or ask for her number and follow us around the mall - I told a friend that boys must be pretty brave nowadays to do all this while a girls mother is right there!

I have heard stories of some of the kids at school.....boy, it is crazy how fast they grow up and want to grow up.....if they only knew!!!

My best advice is to keep a good communication thread open with her. My daughter is so comfortable talking to me about anything.....it took awhile and an "open journal" helped the first year. (you know, if you are too embarrassed or fear to ask or say something, write it done and then wait for a response......my response was always more mellow in writing then face to face on those tough ones). - We still use the journal, from time to time, but we like to talk. We go to Starbucks for drinks and just chill sometimes.

It is also good to try to be the "cool mom"....within reason, ya know! I am always the one who wants a house full of kids over...they can swim, play pool, video games, cook, etc. They have all come to know my DH and I pretty well, that they are comfortable here.....I think some kids these days need a place like that. I do draw the line at some things...like, friends over without parents - boys can come over, but none staying over, etc. And, yes, at this age, I have had moms tell me that these would happen at their party or hang out........CRAZY!!!!! Luckily, I am the mom who asks about EVERYTHING! If I do not agree with something, Katelyn respects that (and so do the other parents)....she might be upset at first, but it doesn't last long....especially after a talk or her daddy steps in (she seems to like his opinions more these days). - which, I am okay with....a little girl needs to look up to her daddy and ask for his opinion/advice - I know I was a "daddy's girl" growing up.

Anyway, these are fun years! I love it.....minus the attitudes, moodiness, etc that comes with it! Have fun!