What do I tell my 12 year old son when he says he's interested in the girl next door, when I know the family goes to church every Sunday?!
I had a dating policy that didn't allow my kids to have boyfriends or girlfriends at 12 - my children not only credit that policy with saving them from their hormones but my daughter suggests it might have even saved her from abuse as one guy that was interested in her came close to killing his second choice. Twelve is too young - let the mind develop before all else and you're not likely to repeat this question again.
He's right at the age when he's finding out about the world. This could be a good learning time for him. Testing of the waters. What if he decides to follow a religion - which could happen with or without this girl in the picture, will you disown him ? Probably not.
I would just be supportive. And talk about the facts of life. 12 is too young to worry about the religious thing.
i don't know, isn't that the ripe age for brainwashing? I would be worried, but that's just me I guess. I think the churchies would jump at any opportunity to get ahold of a kid to brainwash. But then again, he's 12 so not likely he would be marrying this girl lol
@Funeralgirl more of that
I bet a bunch of us here were going to church when we were 12. I would have had no problem if an atheist girl was crushing on my 12 year old church going self.
my parents sent me to church camp (just to get rid of us twins lol) and the brainwashing didn't work, we hated it, and they knew it. My family are atheists, we were supposed to bring a bible hahahhaha...
@Funeralgirl church camp sounds great. Canoing, archery, arts and crafts, riflery, horse back riding. We had vacation bible school. A bunch of sweaty kids escaping the 105 degree Summers. All I remember is the spaghetti we had for lunch. Overcooked noodles in watery sauce. It was so good.
@weelittleone church 3 times a day, I can't swim, I found out I could make cigarettes out of birch bark LOL
@Funeralgirl re: that mellow smooth birch bark flavor. So I guess it was worth it?