The Big Talk

Cliff and I have done our best to let our children know that they can talk to us about anything.  We will do our best to answer any question or offer advice to help solve a problem.  We even have answer and question sessions once in a while for family home evening, just so they know that we are always available, and that we can talk about anything at all with them.
Of course, there are a few subjects that I am a little, shall we say hesitant, to discuss with them.  I am sure that every parent has a few of these.  They can be awkward, you wonder if you are giving too much information for their age and understanding, and you would prefer to do it as a united front instead of being blindsided by yourself.  So what do you do?  Shut down the dialogue, or soldier through it? 
Readers, I am proud to say that I soldiered through.  Nadia and I had the talk about Justin Bieber, and I made it. Oh, did you think I meant THAT talk?  Been there, done that.  This was much worse.
She came home from school the other day saying some girls had teased her because she didn't know who Justin Bieber is.  One of the girls has his phone number, or is his Facebook friend, I don't remember.  I just remember I wanted to cry. It means Nadia is now surrounded by Tweens.
BUT, because we as parents had made the decision to be honest and open about everything with our children, I gritted my teeth and we looked him up on Wikipedia and then found a link to see 2 of his music videos.  I have never been prouder of my daughter than when she said, "He really isn't that good."
Now, some of you may wonder what the big deal about this is.  It means the end of childhood, and I wish I were joking. Tweens are not natural; they are simply kids that have been exposed to too much too soon.  I want my kids to remain kids as long as possible.  They will be grownup too soon.  They need to have memories of being children, not tiny adults.
So my children will continue to dress like children.  They will watch children movies and shows.  We will keep the lines of communication open, and when the next Big Talk comes up, I will try to handle it with all the grace and finesse of a giraffe.  Because that is what I am. A giraffe who loves her children very very very much.