Note from author:
This is a sister story of my first submission: Modern Motherhood - Prom with son.
It is the same story, but now told by the son as opposed to his mother. I appreciate the comments I received earlier, even when some were harsher than need be. The few Spanish words in the story don't require translation to understand their meaning in my opinion; hope that does not bum you out. Also, the characters are not named to keep things as anonymous as possible. The story is fiction - do not try this until Modern Motherhood has become a reality. Or you live in a place where sex between related consenting adults is not illegal.
ABOUT MODERN MOTHERHOOD
Modern Motherhood is the prevailing parenting style of the late 2020's in which mothers get deeper involved in the upbringing of their sons for longer than in the recent past. Due to the overwhelming power of social media, disruptive COVID-19 pandemic a decade ago and lack of oversight in the virtual universe, boys and young men need to be physically and emotionally supported by their mothers as they grow up and mature. Modern mothers counter and balance the pressure that virtual reality puts on their young men. They correct the misinformation that the boys are exposed to by pointing out facts and setting right examples. They listen, talk, touch, and love their boys to complement their impersonal and nonphysical virtual 'life'.
The distorted messages and curated images about sex and relationships prevalent in social media are most concerning. To mend them, modern mothers start dressing provocatively to evoke lustful feelings and educate their sons when they mature. Now at the end of the 2020's, it is the norm that mothers take their sons' virginity when they reach adulthood, often on their 18th birthday, Valentine's Day, on prom night or another suitable occasion.
Making and becoming a man is a milestone that mother and son look forward to in Modern Motherhood.
INTRO
My school organised an info session where the senior year programme was presented at the start of the year. I attended with my mother. First, the dates of all main events such as the homecoming dance, mid-term exams, prom, final exams, and graduation were announced. Then the University application process was explained. The counsellor stressed that it was important to start early with that process. And finally, a psychologist and a sociologist discussed the challenges that the transition from the virtual to the real world puts on adolescents. According to the speakers, this is the most testing phase of growing up in today's world. The psychologist presented statistics showing the struggle and pain up that mostly boys face when entering adulthood. I was very surprised to see that suicide and mental problems were so prevalent. But given my own insecurities as a seventeen-year-old, I can easily relate to it.
The sociologist explained that a team of sociologists, psychologists, anthropologists, and social workers had researched the dangers and problems stemming from the virtual world and social media for many years. He described how the family structure, social norms and values, and sexuality are all strongly influenced and effectively deformed in the Metaverse. According to research, mothers are key to helping their sons during the transformation from innocent child to responsible and good young man. He concluded his presentation by announcing that a brand-new parenting philosophy called Modern Motherhood was developed recently as a result of the research.
We were listening very attentively, especially my mother.
Later that week, the psychologist returned to our school. She used the biology block to tell us more about the mental challenges that we are dealing with. She advised us to practice selfcare, have faith, stay open-minded, be strong, and especially seek help. The more help and support, the better. "Seek help from the school counsellor and especially your mother. Your mother is key in your transition. You'll love and need her more than ever, trust me."
The psychologist singled out the influence that the Metaverse has on us. She pointed out that there is no critical thinking in the virtual space and stressed that the algorithms are action oriented and nearly always push users in predetermined directions. She gave many real-world examples. I had to laugh when she said to the girls in my class that beauty is not being underweight, contrary to the messages they continuously receive. And I felt a sense of relief when she said that larger penises are not any better than normal sized ones.
At the end of her presentation, she gave practical advice: "Stay away from the Metaverse. Connect with real people, starting with your family and friends. Every day, ask your parents some questions to start meaningful conversations at home. Boys should approach their mothers after dinner, like when helping with the dishes. Ask her anything, there are no limits or taboos. Confide in her. Rebuild the connection that you had when you were a child or teenager. She misses her baby. Continue doing so even when you start seeing her as a sexy woman, not just your mother. She will always love and protect you; adult conversation and activities will strengthen and mature the bond. It is a good thing."
She continued: "With friends, engage in sports. Anything with a ball works. Get in shape again; it will make you feel physically and mentally stronger."
Finally, she reminded us that the school counsellor is available if we have any questions or concerns.
The day after, the sociologist had a long session for parents in which Modern Motherhood was thoroughly discussed.
The school counsellor scheduled a couple of sessions with us. In those sessions, she explained that mothers in Modern Motherhood also support their sons in their sexual development. They play a role that could be anything from a friend-to-talk-to to a mom-with-benefits. Which role depends on how mature the relationship is, physically and emotionally. It also depends on the needs of course. Most mother-son couples often don't know at first, but learn, develop and decide together. As the mother is much more mature and experienced in the relationship, sons should expect that she will lead the way and sets direction and boundaries in Modern Motherhood.
The counsellor also sent us the names of a couple of gyms in our neighbourhood where we could train at a discounted rate.
A week later, I signed up at a gym close to my house and agreed with my friends to meet every Saturday morning in the park. At first, I was sceptical, but I quickly learned to appreciate doing things with friends outside and away from a computer.
We played soccer and I started swimming, too.