My little boy is growing up.  Last night after dinner, everyone else had left the table for broader horizons except my 11 y.o. son (my oldest) and myself.  We are usually the last ones at the table so that was no surprise.  But what he started asking me WAS a surprise.  He started asking me questions about the friends (meaning boyfriends) I had before I met my husband.  And a lot of questions about friendships/relationships in general.  I got that "Oh my gosh, this is a heavy conversation and I'd better be in prayer right now for the right words to say" feeling, big time!  But, I tried to keep it light and answer his questions in the way I have been planning to for years now.  It really hit me hard that I am his major confidant, the one he turns to for answers to nearly everything he can't find the answer to in a book.  And I was so very thankful he wasn't asking some misguided kid down the block for answers.  I know that what I tell him now might make a difference in his life later as he makes decisions about who to spend time with and eventually marry.  I'm always honest with him but I try not to over-talk.  Keep it simple.  I'm so glad he feels comfortable asking me anything but, why shouldn't he?  We are together nearly all day and it's just natural for him to see me as someone who listens to him and answers the best I can.  I'm so thankful for homeschooling.  This is just another part of his education, how to deal with friendships and people in general.  This, fortunately, wasn't THE conversation that parents worry about but I know that will come soon enough.  My husband and I have prayed about that conversation and I know God will prepare the way when the time is right.  I hope all my children will always come to me with their questions, knowing that I'll do my best to answer in a way that they can understand and I pray that I'll always be a patient listener, and really hear what they are saying, not just what I think I hear.  There is a difference!  I really seek to prepare my children the best I can and try to teach them to make better decisions with their lives than I did.  Every mom wants to spare their kids from heartache though we know they will have it at some point.  I like the concept of courtship because I think dating is a great way to get hurt, over and over.  When my son is ready, he'll ask for more info and I pray that God will continue to give me wisdom to answer.  I know God has a plan for each of my kids' lives.  I pray that my words will help them stay on the path He has for them and not cause them to stumble.