Single Mom Diaries | A Letter to My Son on His 12th Birthday

Dear Son,

Today you turn 12. That sacred age where you’re officially too cool for cartoon band-aids, but still occasionally need me to remind you to wear deodorant.

You’re standing in that weird, wobbly doorway between childhood and teenagerdom—a land of awkward voice cracks, mysterious smells, and an emotional rollercoaster operated by someone who clearly didn’t pass the safety inspection. Welcome. You’re gonna crush it.

Let me be the first to say: I'm proud of you. Not just for the awards or the A’s (though hey, keep those coming), but for the way you show up in the world. The way you side-eye injustice. The way you laugh with your whole face. The way you’re already taller than me but still let me hug you like you’re five. That’s the good stuff. That’s you.

I’ll be honest—raising a preteen in 2025 is no joke. Between screens, social media, and the global chaos buffet, I sometimes lie awake wondering if I’m doing this whole parenting thing right. But then you tell me about a weird dream involving a raccoon and a space taco, or you help your little cousin tie her shoe, or you call out something unfair on your own without being told—and I think: Okay. We’re good. He’s gonna be just fine.

You have this wild, wonderful mind. You question things. You challenge me. You’ve already become the kind of person I would actually want to hang out with, which is saying a lot because I literally made you and was stuck with you either way.

A few things I want you to know as you step boldly into 12:

• Fart jokes will always be funny. But kindness will always be cooler.

• Don’t be afraid to fail. Especially if it’s spectacular and weird and teaches you something.

• Call your mom sometimes. Even when you’re 40. Especially when you’re 40.

• And always—always—trust your gut. Your heart is sharp and generous, and it won’t steer you wrong.

You are my favorite plot twist, my greatest teacher, and my most important job. Watching you grow has been like reading a book I never want to end, but that keeps getting better with every chapter.

Now go eat too much cake, wear your birthday crown (yes, the one I made), and make sure you remind your friends that your mom is still cooler than most moms. Or at least top ten.

Love you more than spicy chips and WiFi,

Mom 💙