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Q
I have an 11-year-old boy and I am concerned about his current interest in girls. Should I be alarmed yet, or let things proceed?
A
I would not be alarmed that your 11-year-old son has developed an "interest" in girls. Furthermore, unless you have found a way to stop preadolescent hormones in their tracks, you have no choice but to "let things proceed." It's a natural biological, emotional, social, and cognitive development we're talking about. You might find solace and some great practical parenting advice for this age and stage (11-14 years) in Margaret Sagarese's, The Roller-Coaster Years. It's tough to let go of our "little ones"; your son's interest in girls is one of those indications that they are not so little anymore. Don't embarrass him about this recent "interest." Be a good, non-judgmental sounding board if he needs it. He's going through lots of confusing, intense physical and emotional changes now. Hang in there with him.

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