Do you know or do you remember?

Question

What is the hardest thing about being a tween? How can I prepare my kids for it?

Answer 1

The hardest thing about being a teen is wanting to fit in and be an individual at the same time. They are pulled back and forth by friends, peers, and parents.
Do your best to listen to them as they voice their fears and anxieties. Keep an open ear for them, and they will thank you for it. Make sure they know you are willing to discuss ANY subject with them without being condescending or preachy.
If they feel they can come to you for answers, they will not go to their friends and end up with misinformation.

Answer 2

The hardest thing about being a tween was feeling I didn't fit in.

Answer 3

The hardest thing is learning about sex and guilt that might come from exploring it. i know its hard for parents to deal with, but even kids are sexual beings, and at a certain age (sometimes b418) it is more of an adult sexuality, meaningf they are more aware and knowlegable. I wish my parents didnt make me feel like i had to be a virgin and how thye didnt tell me anyhitng about whatever the birds and the bees
Like i never knew you could get an Std from oral sex
And plus the whole wierd awkwardness with parents is hard.
Another hard thing was accusitory parents and wanting my privacy plus having to realize that i would have to somehow become a responsibel person...thats a huge thing...responsibility and realizing that 100 dollars is liike nothing in the "real world" its scary because you relaly cant imagine how your future will be

Answer 4

Ah, tweendom. Caught between expectations of maintaining child-like innocence and the struggle to gain independance and an identity. They want to play and behave like children when it's convenient, but the resonsibilities of adulthood get in the way of fun.

I suggest slowly introducing priledges and freedom.
Priveledges like allowing them to choose their own clothes (Honestly, their growing. They need a brain to make decisions without Mommy.) and going out with friends without adult supervision.
Those are priveledges that can be lost if the trust is broken. Priveledges are part of growing up, but so are responsibility and consequences.

Answer 5

I think it's the interactions between the kids that are their friends and all the hurting that goes on. My daughter is only in grade 3 but I found this last really up and down for a while at school with her friends. We do a morning Christian Devotional and it has lots of help in it for a lot issues in day to day life of kids. She likes it.

Answer 6

Peer pressure to do all the things you know are wrong, just to get to hang with a group and belong with the group so you don't stand out as "uncool". I think this is one of the hardest things to deal with. To just be strong and be yourself and be accepted for who you are, not who they want you to be.

Answer 7

Knowing who you are and staying true to yourself. Make sure they know that what is on the inside is more important then what's on the outside. A dairy or notebook to write feelings down it can be helpful. And be sure to talk to them about how they feel but let them have alone time too.

Answer 8

Self esteem and self image. You aren't sure about how people see you and about the way that you look. You spend a lot of time comparing yourself to others your age and wanting to fit in.

Answer 9

self esteem. Try to keep them talking to you about things. Don't be judge mental b'cause that will shut them up. If you notice them being reclusive, ask them why, ask a lot of questions. They might get annoyed but all well.

Answer 10

BODY CHANGES! I remember when I started growing breasts I would not wear a Tee- shirt! I was so embarrassed by them! That was a LONG and HOT summer!

I would talk to them about their body changes and let them know they do not have to be embarrassed! Its natural!