Mom of a Middle Schooler

My lovely daughter began her journey into middle school this year. I know this is how it works now - 6th grade is now part of middle school, or as we called it, junior high. I feel that 11 is pretty young to be in the mix with 7th and 8th graders, but we are taking it a day at a time.

I was initially concerned about the tales she would hear from other students. Now I can add teachers to the list. I learned, when my daughter was in 5th grade, that students will learn about reproduction in 6th grade, so I know we've got to have that talk pretty soon. I was not prepared that she would be learning so many life lessons in her history class. Earlier this week, Tessie (which is what I'll call her, since she recently played Tessie in a local production of Annie), shared with me that in her history class (Ancient Civilizations), they start each class by watching a video of current events. This particular day, the video was about the political parties and what each stands for. Tessie shared that as part of this video, they mentioned abortion. One student then raised his hand and asked what abortion was. The teacher shared that that is what it's called when a doctor ends the life of a baby while it is inside the mother. Tessie shared this with me at 8:00 at night. Right before bedtime. Without the background of knowing how babies are made, she had all sorts of questions, which I was not prepared to get into so late in the evening. To me, that student's question should have been answered with a simple, "That's something you can ask your parents when you get home." From some of the other tidbits that Tessie has shared with me about this teacher, I fear I am dealing with a lunatic! Help me!

Today, Tessie had another story for me. I'll file it under the category (and it's a large one) of "Now I've heard everything!" She was in gym class (or PE as they are instructed to call it) and the gym teacher was talking to them about changing into their gym clothes. Tessie shared that one student was a bit embarrassed to change in front of everyone because, as she told the gym teacher, she wears a thong. Tessie wondered what a thong was. And I wondered what 11 year old wears thong underwear??? Seriously?! I didn't even know they made those in children's sizes! Still shaking my head over that one. The teacher suggested if the student is uncomfortable, then she shouldn't wear them on gym days. (I say, of course she's uncomfortable! She's wearing thong underwear!!)

Shaking my head until the next thing...