Nate turns 13 this week. They say that during adolescence, the teenaged brain develops from back to front, saving the pre-frontal cortex, or ‘reasoning center’ of the brain, for last. I know this is true, because the same day Nate excelled on his algebra entrance exam, he decided it would be a good idea to swat a fly with my Kindle. (Crack.)
Some birthdays are just a big deal. Like 40. Or 16. Or 21. I’ve heard other parents fret about age 10: it’s the double-digits, their babies are growing up, the big 1-0. I’ve sailed past 10 with two of my boys without looking back. Ten is elementary school and sleepovers and skinned knees and camp-outs. It’s dirt bikes and cub scouts and hardly any homework. Ten is uncomplicated. Thirteen, however? Thirteen’s all about being both too old and too young for just about everything your heart is set on doing. (And your heart is set on everything.) For boys, it’s about big feet and gangly limbs and figuring out whether you belong in the youth section or the men’s section every time your mom makes you go try on pants. It’s about friends and clubs and sports. It’s all dude this and dude that and can I have another snack. (The kid is hungry always.)
I don’t know what 13 is like for girls these days, but I know what it was like for me: a constant costuming of teen-hood layered over girlhood, of tucking and adjusting and trying not to trip. It was age 10 hidden in the folds of something bigger. It was anxiety and escape with the ever-present knowledge that I was fooling nobody. (Thirteen for me entailed a lot of hiding and reading of novels.)
I think Nate’s better adjusted than I was, better equipped, better suited. I don’t know how this is possible. (I still don’t know how to act my age.)
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a little funny to me, since my oldest will be turning 10 in a few weeks. I keep feeling like I should be worried or anxious or a variety of other parental emotions, but I’m not. Teenagehood, however, scares me to death.
Katherine recently posted..24 Hour Sickness
Ten is just about the best age ever. Enjoy!
I’ve had two hit this milestone. I think it’s very different for boys then girls. I think girls hit “13″ way earlier. Good luck – I’m experiencing crazy teenage years. Some good, some not so much.
Cathy recently posted..the great paradox
This is true. (Or so I’ve heard.) Girls tend to hit 13 at age 11. They should get reimbursed for those two years of childhood they get stolen from them!
Amy, I’m just flabbergasted. Thirteen *is* such a milestone. I’m only halfway there! This is such a beautiful reflection.
Kathleen Basi recently posted..Mothering Seems Hard Right Now
Happy 13 birthday to your son Nate. He grew well and he is so tall and handsome. Last time I visited your site, he is still a kid and look at his now he is teenager already. This is the time when he experience a lot of changes and development. Good luck to your son Nate.
Francine Park recently posted..Caralluma Actives Weight Loss
{ 1 trackback }