preteen

something to spark her interest but won't make her feel self conscious) and gradually work into bigger things (like skirts, dresses, make-up,nail polish, earings, etc...) if you think she is ready. If she really wants to make this transition then she'll do it at her own pace. In the meantime, try to be patient and hang in there. Good luck!!!

... daughter. You don't have to be a full fledged girly girl to enjoy the attention. It's a non threatening, non permanent way of making a transition (unlike a new hairstyle, wardrobe, etc), so she won't feel like you're pushing something on her.

... instead just encourage her in these new interests, just like you've probably done all along!

... tells me about brands the kids in school are wearing. I am supportive of her, its just that she seems shy about showing this new interest so I don't want to embaress her.

... you could check it out with she wanted to.

... I would start with the basics of the reproductive system and how its counterpart in a male just "fits" to accomplish the goal of conception.

... school at the moment. But in the case that she does really not know what sex is I think you should tell her, it will only lead to problems in the next few yrs if she is clueless about sex. You can go to the librarys and they have great books that are aimed at children as young as 6-7 yrs old. Also if you have a chapters book store around your area go there they have awesome books the ingross the mind on this subject, Im in the middle of teaching the basics of babies to my 6 yr old at the moment and I am sure that your 11 yr old knows where babies come from so whatever you add on this she will already know.

... mom a lot more if she had been the one to tell me. She never even discussed the topic with me! :[

Also beware of whatkind of stores the group "wanders" into...

I've taken my 11-year-old and her friends to the mall once or twice and let them go into stores by themselves, but I'm right outside or in the vicinity. I can't imagine just dropping them off and going home! Not yet, anyway...Maybe when she's in middle school next year I'll feel more at ease with the idea?

... the thought of having someones mom "lurking" that keeps them out of real trouble. I don't care if I'm that mom, as long as my kids don't get into trouble.

...think a young girl, interested in going to church (any church) is worth looking into. I grew up lutheran, and my husband church of god (general conference), we got married at his church, and went to his church for a while, but we found a non denominational church that fit us much better, but I still go to the Lutheran church for certain events, like I had our children baptized there, and we usually go for holidays, because we stay at my parents house when we're home for the holidays. There are QUITE a few differences between my traditional Lutheran church, and all the other churches we've attended, but we make it work because it doesn't matter where you go, just that you're meeting with other people who love god as much as you do. I say try it once or twice, you're not making a commitment to change churches, but you're not telling her that her opinion doesn't matter. And you might just find out that she finds it not all that she'd hoped it would be.

...Sunday. As long as you don't have any objections to the basic beliefs of the other demonination, perhaps your daughter would enjoy getting involved in thier youth program.

... bite to eat. I don't know how old he is or what kind of ideas that he has. You seem to have a very open relationship with him, so you can discuss it with him and let him know what you are comfortable with and go from there.

... they need to go and make sure they knew how to get in touch with me. Maybe call the mother of the girl, too?

... Baskin-Robbins for ice cream. The Mom and I tagged along and ate at another table.

Now, he's in 7th grade, and I drive and drop them off at the theatre or restaurant. Or just drop him off and he meets up with the group.

... from school). I am going to talk with him mom and we will both go to the movies. I think that we have to support our children to develop healthy relationships and not keep our heads in the sand (if the child is showing interest in that). It is good to see that (maybe) I am on the right track with that. It is still nerve racking though! But, we all just want our kids to be healthy and grow to be healthy adults.