Conversation at the breakfast table between myself and my 13-year old son:

"Is that a scratch on your nose? What’s that red stuff?"

"Acne."

I’m trying hard not to look surprised. This is my youngest child, with the first sign of puberty literally in front of my nose (and his.) And how would he know about acne, anyway? I try to be helpful, in case he’s feeling awkward.

"Oh. You might want to consider washing your face more often to remove the oil. That’s what causes acne."

He’s unmoved by my prescription for a smooth face during the teen years.

"I don’t really care if I have pimples all over my face. I don’t really care how I look. Why should I?"

Geez. I still get pimples at 47 and I hate it.

My son says all this without bravado, in a matter of fact way. One part of me is happy that he isn’t pre-occupied with looks, knowing that acne can get a lot worse. He’s moving into adolescence without the hypersensitivity about self-image. Yet. Another part of me is wondering whether he’ll extend this approach to B.O. All I can think to say is,

"Oh, okay."

I’m expecting more interesting conversations as the teen years continue…..