tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199993534225416743.post6105009382458674793..comments2023-10-28T07:15:37.740-04:00Comments on Domestic Vocation: Saving Our Children's Purity, Part IIChristine the Soccer Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01270550419011368834noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199993534225416743.post-74852366408044149392010-11-28T14:33:37.368-05:002010-11-28T14:33:37.368-05:00Here's a message to Big Girl, from me: a Catho...Here's a message to Big Girl, from me: a Catholic school girl who deals with the same issues.<br /><br />Big Girl: Boyfriends really aren't all that they are hyped-up to be. Especially when you're all twelve. Honestly, they're just more work! Boys are typically very clingy and annoying. If, by some amazing streak of fate and luck, you find an exceptionally mature boy, do you know what you do with him? Make him your best friend. Do everything together. Make your families friends. Be <i>real</i> friends. For a very long time. That real friendship is the basis for absolutely everything. Dress modestly at all times. If he objects, he's not a good enough boy. If he encourages it, have him meet your mom. =P A long-term friendship--a REAL friendship--one where you can talk for hours about everything, even inane things like how your day was! and not get sick of the conversation? That is what is real. In the end, if he decides he really loves you and will actually marry you some day, well then, you're marrying your best friend! If not, you have one heck of an awesome friend.Inkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14436063825172153343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199993534225416743.post-75913827363763278122010-11-23T15:04:31.365-05:002010-11-23T15:04:31.365-05:00Wow! Thank you for these posts! I have been thinki...Wow! Thank you for these posts! I have been thinking about and struggling with these very ideas since my oldest son was born - he's now 10. I love the reasons you gave to your daughter for waiting to date. And, we've had similar conversations about the cell phone as well. It's nice to read blog posts like this because I have had arguments with other adults about why I don't think "Twilight" is appropriate for my son or my daughter (ever). Thank you, thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199993534225416743.post-55912869488221525242010-11-14T15:58:38.978-05:002010-11-14T15:58:38.978-05:00Since I'm not a parent, I can't really kno...Since I'm not a parent, I can't really know what it's like for those of you who are going through all this stuff with your kids. But you're right on target with everything you said. Twelve-year-olds don't need to be dating, and they don't understand that at that age they're not ready for a serious romantic relationship and that they're very vulnerable. Besides, relationships at that age usually don't last long, so having a boyfriend/girlfriend is pretty pointless anyway. <br /><br />And thank you for pointing out the pressures that young guys are under. Your daughter definitely needed to hear that side of the issue as well. When I was in the 9th grade, I was considered weird by some because I didn't have a girlfriend and didn't fool around--and that was at age 14/15!!! And you're right to tell your daughter about how guys are very easily stimulated by what they see and that girls need to be careful not to do things--intentionally or otherwise--that will throw temptations in our faces. Even as a 35-year-old man, I still can't help but notice not only women but young girls who dress provocatively. And I'm single and never been married but am determined to maintain my purity--but it's herculean challenge at times! As a college instructor, it was really hard for me to maintain proper focus whenever I had to be around young college girls who, quite frankly, dressed like street walkers! But I digress...<br /><br />Anyway, thanks so much for sharing all of this. I'm sure plenty of parents who, like you, are trying their best to keep their children pure are not alone in their endeavors. And you're helping folks like me who don't have kids develop a greater understanding of what Christian parents often have to go through these days. <br /><br />Keep up the wonderful parenting!<br /><br />EvanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199993534225416743.post-831235478703091792010-11-12T15:28:48.735-05:002010-11-12T15:28:48.735-05:00Thank you for this! My parents started really earl...Thank you for this! My parents started really early with me and my sisters (I think I was three when she started conditioning me -- that's what it is, let's be honest). I hope she'll soon understand just how lucky she is to have parents who care about her so much that they'll risk being unpopular.<br /><br />Unfortunately, she'll probably have a friend who has sex, oral sex or another experience in the next few years. I pray A) that this doesn't happen to one of her friends, but B) that she witnesses the pain in that and seeks the true freedom that Theology of the Body can bring.<br /><br />Whenever I read blogs by you wonderful Catholic moms, I realize just how much I have to learn before I get married and have my own children. Thank you for your early advice!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13304484454718892120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199993534225416743.post-37880770300185315672010-11-11T00:59:58.343-05:002010-11-11T00:59:58.343-05:00My big girl is only 6 right now, but I've been...My big girl is only 6 right now, but I've been asking myself how to protect her purity ever since my conversion 5 years ago. Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom. It has given me so much to think about!Leslie McCaddonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15474773249388133344noreply@blogger.com