All In

It's really interesting when you read your kids facebook/blogs/emails, etc to see what they have to say.  It gives a lot of insight into what goes on in their minds.  Sometimes it's a good thing because they're writing normal kid stuff and others times, you get an eye full and you wish that you could unread what you've seen.

There are some things that you read that make you realize that your kids are growing up and they are far more knowledgable than you realize.  And mature.

As I mentioned, Owen got an instagram account.  It's a site that allows you to upload photos and your followers can comment on them.  Many times, it becomes a running dialogue between people.  And THAT is what gives you insight into their minds.

I read through this and said "wow" on so many levels. 

First, I was a little surprised that he reposted this tweet.  I know that he's very aware of the issue so I shouldn't be because Ken and I are open minded about gay marriage and have no tolerence for gay bashing and we have made that perfectly clear to the boys.  Ken in particular is very passionate about this issue and makes no apologies to anyone about it.  I don't either but I don't go looking for an argument the way he does.  And even at 13, Shane has been known to get into verbal battles with his friends at school over this issue and has told them to basically shove it.  Many times, he's provoked the argument.

But Owen is more like me.  He has his opinions but doesn't really like to get into debates about controversial current events.  Especially with stupid people who obviously don't want to discuss anything but just want to ram their opinion down your throat.  Neither of us are interested in dealing with that.

So when I saw this, I was surprised because he didn't shy away from the debate.  In fact,  he's not letting it go.  Well.  That part shouldn't surprise me because once he's decided that he's in for an argument, he's ALL in.

But, he's going against his good friend.  Which for him, right now, he's a little more consciencous of what his peers think of him than he has in the past.  You know.  He's a middle schooler.  Ugh.

I'm really proud of him for standing up for what he thinks.  As a parent, that's all that you can ask for.

But really.  When did my guinea piggy loving 10 year old become a teenager who discusses these types of topics.

I guess at the same time he decided that he cared what he wore and that his clothes actually matched.

Ugh and yay all in the same sentence.