My 15-year-old nephew who just months ago was this squeaky voiced tow-headed boy who barley reached my shoulders and never bristled when I charged at him and planted a big, wet kiss on his cheek, has suddenly transformed into this sullen man-child not interested in doing much of anything other than texting his friends and gelling his hair! When I look at the typical teen he’s slowly morphing into- I still see that little boy who called me Aunt Mo, whose diapers I changed and who animatedly shared his dreams about one day joining the ranks of the NBA as a professional basketball player.
My sister has recently been dishing about all the changes her little boy is undergoing, as he struts around with his deep voice, and how utterly strange it is to be living with this not quite a man but no longer a child. However, she’s merely echoing what I’ve heard so many moms talk about as they dive into the teenage years with their kids and wrestle with simultaneously wanting to hug and strangle their kids as they attempt to navigate their kid’s new sense of independence. With a six and and nine year-old I’m not there yet—my kids still let me plant big public kisses on them and would love nothing more than to cuddle up next to me and just be in my presence. I can’t imagine losing even a fraction of that closeness to the teenage years which loom not so far away! So, if you’re a parent with a brooding teenager looking to find some activities to bond over keep reading for some free porgams at the St. George library!
The St. George Library at 5 Central Avenue (718-442-8560) has a number of wonderful ongoing programs that take place through the year:
Teen Book Discussion Group
Every Friday from 4PM-5PM
Come join us for our book club! Come hear about some new exciting books that the library has. Tell others about something great that you’ve read. You can talk about anything you’ve read: urban fiction, manga, fantasy. We meet every week and we can’t wait to see you there!
Teen Study Nights
Every Monday-Thursday from 6PM-8PM
Come for some peace and quiet at the St. George Library Teen Center. Study for school, or just catch up on a good book.
Game On @ St George
Every Tuesday from 3:30PM-5PM
PS3, Wii, 360 – Got the gaming moves? Show off your skill with the Wii remote, Sixaxis controller, or Controller S and challenge your friends to a game in the library. Play with or against each other in Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Call of Duty and more. For ages 12 to 18.
They also have a number of programs coming just in March:
Well Versed: Urban Poetry
Monday March 14, 21, 28 from 3:30PM-4:30PM
Do you have a journal full of poetry? Want to share? Want to get better? Join us for a poetry writing workshop. Learn how to improve your writing style while also having fun. For ages 12 to 18.
Haileo and Slán Go Fóill: Gaelic for Beginners
Wednesday March 23, 20 from 3:30PM-4:30PM
From hello to goodbye, learn one of the oldest languages in Europe from skilled instructors. No need to kiss a stone before you start to gab. For ages 12 to 18.
Of course I’m just relishing the fact that I’ve got a few more years till the terrible teens and I’m squeezing in as much PDA with my brood of two as possible!
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