[MOMWHOCARES]

My daughter is 12. She and this little boy at school have liked each other since 3rd grade. At the end of last year, he asked her to be his "girlfriend". Now she says they hang around each other every day between classes, but barely talk to one another. I assume this is typical for this age (she is my only child), but what worries me is that she now seems like she is constantly worried about "what he thinks of her". She suddenly wants to try out for cheerleading next year (he is trying out for football) but she's terrified what he will think of her if she fails and doesn't make the squad... will he go on to be popular while she is left behind? I need help reassuring her... I'm just not sure what to say. I try to tell her if he's a true friend, it won't matter either way... but I think she sees him as more than a friend... she's 12! HELP!

[statictable]

My daughter is 12. She and this little boy at school have liked each other since 3rd grade. At the end of last year, he asked her to be his "girlfriend". Now she says they hang around each other every day between classes, but barely talk to one another. I assume this is typical for this age (she is my only child), but what worries me is that she now seems like she is constantly worried about "what he thinks of her". She suddenly wants to try out for cheerleading next year (he is trying out for football) but she's terrified what he will think of her if she fails and doesn't make the squad.....will he go on to be popular while she is left behind? I need help reassuring her...i'm just not sure what to say. I try to tell her if he's a true friend, it won't matter either way...but I think she sees him as more than a friend....she's 12! HELP!

This is called the third level of morality and is a healthy and normal part of socialization and personal growth. The adult's role is to make available to the children two-way communications at all times. You also have the luxury of your daughter's honesty and you should protect that.

She'll be fine and best wishes.