Barbara: Well, I hope that doesn’t happen. I can’t imagine both Joe and I being sick at the same time. But knock-on wood, I guess it can happen.

Joe: We do appreciate that. And if you guys need any help with Daniel, let us know as well. We enjoy having him over and you know, he really is a good golfer. He’s beginning to give Joey some competition. He really has good eye-hand coordination.

Tina: Well, we enjoy having John David over as well. They are getting along well and are very self-directed as far as entertaining themselves. And as long as they keep up with their school work, I think things will be fine.

Bette: We are keeping a close eye on the boys. But I anticipate that there will be some changes instore for them in the near future.

Barbara:  Are you talking about puberty?

Tina: Yes. Daniel is just beginning to show a few signs that he is going into that phase of his life.

Barbara: What kind of signs?

Tina: Outburst of temper?  Perhaps a little rude which has never happened before.

Barbara: Oh, yeah. That is a part of the change. Have you talked to him about puberty and what to expect?

Bette: We have started those talks but we have only broached the subject of the changes he can expect in his body and a little about the emotional changes. We have not talked to him about the changes which occur in the female body, nor about relationships and all that entails. But we have it on our agenda.

Barbara: That’s good. Not an easy conversation to have but a necessary one. Keep talking to him. Joe and I are trying to talk John David some and to Joey a little more. I think we should have started earlier with Joey. But we are into it now. Raising children is not easy. And this part is not much fun. But it won’t last forever.

Joe: I advise you to read up on this and learn as much as you can. And then keep talking. And keep your son talking as well. Hopefully, something good will come of it all.

Tina: Yes, a well-adjusted healthy happy young man.

Bette: So, this brings me to the second thing I want to talk to you about.