Raising kids in their initial years is quite different from when kids touch the double-digit figure. You can experience the change in their behavior, moods, choices, and gradual physical changes. Kids expect more independence and privacy. They think and react differently. They don't want to be treated like kids either.
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| Parenting the tweens and preteens |
This transition phase from kid to tween and then to preteen needs more attention. As the age progresses of your child, the parenting approach needs to be adjusted too accordingly.
So, what can be done so that your tween/ preteen remains connected to you closely? How to handle this transition period and maintain a strong relationship?
So, what can be done so that your tween/ preteen remains connected to you closely? How to handle this transition period and maintain a strong relationship?
Parenting tips for Tweens and Preteens
Here we have a few tips for parents of tweens and preteens for a smoother transition period:
One-to-one time with your tween
Spend some personal time with your son or daughter. Go for an evening walk, play, shop, or just chat about anything. It can work like daily 15 minutes with Mom, weekly quality time with Dad, or any other way which allows kids to open up with both parents individually. The more you listen and the less you preach keeps your communication channel open with your tween.
Participate in activities with them
Their interests are changing- more time on video games, action movies, or sports channels. Be with them and participate. Play that video game with them, and know what attracts them. Discuss the latest issues that interest them. In those ways, you will remain updated about their views and feelings.
Let them enjoy their 'me-time'
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| Let the tween enjoy some private time. |
There was a time when your cute daughter would run up to you and share her every little thing with you. However, in her tweens or preteens, she may respond differently at times, demanding private time for herself. Accept that, let her be with herself. Avoid interpreting each situation and feeling offended when your child keeps things to herself.
Understand- It is their hormones to blame
Your tween may not be able to express himself in calm ways. There can be mood swings, tantrums, and impulsive reactions that even they can't understand or explain. Distractions, attraction towards the opposite sex and preoccupation are just so natural in this age, all of us have gone through this phase, isn't it?
Give them time and space. Talk about the issues they are concerned about. Let them vent out their emotions, whether it's anger, irritation, stress, frustration, or helplessness, which is extremely important. Listen to everything. Assure them you understand their situation and your love is unconditional despite their unpredictable behavior. In those ways, you can have a great connection with your kids in the tween or preteen age.
Act, not over-react
Your son picked up a fight with kids in the neighborhood and blame them for the mess. You instantly call the parents to keep a check on their kids.
Can you see something missing in this situation? Instead of understanding what was the situation all about, you quickly jumped to a conclusion and reacted accordingly. Such a response to the situations does not help kids in tweens to learn to respond in a better way.
Discuss age-appropriate issues with your tween
Soon the kids will experience physical changes in them. They will be curious about such changes and maybe embarrassed at times. It's high time to talk about puberty. Explain to your daughter about the change in her body shape and first periods. Similarly, your son in tween has some queries. Discuss with him honestly so that he is prepared for the changes beforehand.
Consider your response toward older kids
The way you handle the matters related to your older kid sets the way for siblings as well. Too much liberty or excessive supervision, in both cases, tweens get a clue what to expect from parents. Setting a good example of dealing with elder children certainly helps in raising the tween/ preteen in the right direction.
With these parenting tips for preteens and tweens, we hope your parenting journey will be smoother and happier!
Your son picked up a fight with kids in the neighborhood and blame them for the mess. You instantly call the parents to keep a check on their kids.
Can you see something missing in this situation? Instead of understanding what was the situation all about, you quickly jumped to a conclusion and reacted accordingly. Such a response to the situations does not help kids in tweens to learn to respond in a better way.
Discuss age-appropriate issues with your tween
Soon the kids will experience physical changes in them. They will be curious about such changes and maybe embarrassed at times. It's high time to talk about puberty. Explain to your daughter about the change in her body shape and first periods. Similarly, your son in tween has some queries. Discuss with him honestly so that he is prepared for the changes beforehand.
Consider your response toward older kids
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| Parenting the elder kid and tween |
The way you handle the matters related to your older kid sets the way for siblings as well. Too much liberty or excessive supervision, in both cases, tweens get a clue what to expect from parents. Setting a good example of dealing with elder children certainly helps in raising the tween/ preteen in the right direction.
With these parenting tips for preteens and tweens, we hope your parenting journey will be smoother and happier!
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Well researched,nicely written,keep it up
ReplyDeleteThanks Pooja, do come back for my next post!
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