Parenting is such a rewarding journey, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come without some challenges, and perhaps one of the most intriguing and sometimes biggest stages in those challenges is the tween years. But it can be such a wonderful time too. As your kids’ interests, emotions, and interactions evolve, we learned it’s important to adapt our parenting approach accordingly. Each of our kids is so different and I’m sure that’s the same for you, too. So, from experience, here are five key pieces of advice to successfully navigate through the tween years with your kids.
1. Open and Honest Communication is Key
During the tween years, your child’s social circle widens and their exposure to new ideas increases. It’s so important to establish open and honest communication early on. Encourage your child to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with you without fear of judgment. Sometimes bedtime was always a good time for us to have good talks to end the evening. Or even sharing about our day at the dinner table.
2. Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations
Tweens are testing the waters of independence, and this often leads to clashes over rules and boundaries. While it’s important to grant them increasing autonomy, it’s equally important to establish clear expectations. Work together to define household rules that build responsibility, and explain the reasoning behind them.
3. Encourage Individuality and Self-Expression
Tweens are developing their identities and interests. Encourage them to explore various activities, hobbies, and talents to help them discover their passions. Whether it’s art, sports, music, or science, support their pursuits and celebrate their achievements — even if they’re not playing the sport or musical instrument you always dreamed they would.
4. Teach Emotional Intelligence
The tween years often bring about a rollercoaster of emotions as children grapple with increasing responsibilities, peer dynamics, and changes within their bodies. Help your child develop emotional intelligence by acknowledging their feelings and teaching them healthy ways to cope. Encourage them to identify their emotions, express them appropriately, and practice empathy towards others. By nurturing emotional intelligence, you’re equipping your child with essential life skills that will serve them well in their relationships and future endeavors.
5. Be a Positive Role Model
Your behavior and attitudes have a significant impact on your tween’s development. Model the values, behaviors, and communication styles you wish to see in your child. Display resilience in the face of challenges, practice good manners, and demonstrate kindness and empathy towards others. Children learn what they live. Show them how to handle disagreements and conflicts in a constructive manner. Being a positive role model not only provides your child with a blueprint for healthy behaviors but also strengthens your bond through shared experiences.
Parenting through the tween years is a big and exciting journey that can require a lot of patience and learning, but it’s such a joy to watch them learn and grow. Don’t be scared of the “tween years.”
