Tricky is exactly the right word!!
Grinity, your insights here are extremely helpful; I'm hoping that others will share any additional thoughts about such emotional intensity in what are, truly, quite young teens.
We're tried to lay down some ground rules right from the start-- that "hiding" things from mom and dad is a BIG no-no, no matter what. No deleting texts, no changing e-mail or FB passwords, etc. We do keep (general) track of the tenor of conversations with the boyfriend (or other friends). I've been surprised by the conversations. They are much more like what I'd expect from kids 15-16, which worries/perplexes/relieves me. Mostly I am not sure what it means.
I also have the sense that my DD, only 13, is very much a child in some ways, in spite of her PG intellect and her intensity. I have concerns for what happens when it ends... but also what if it doesn't??
I share the concern of not wanting my DD to have "interest in boys" become a source of... er...enrichment.
(As it was for her mom.)
