Want to be a great parent? Want to raise a happy, healthy, well-behaved child? The secret is to create a closer connection.One of the most frightening times for parents is when your adorable young child becomes a tween. All of a sudden, that child who needed your nurturing has acquired a strong opinion, can debate brilliantly and, often times, experiences ups and downs.
Just as when your child was a toddler, parents need to accept and constructively negotiate their child’s newest growth of independence. Using constructive negotiation may avoid a disconnect with your tween.
The best way to navigate the tween years is by staying connected to your child. Having dinner together, as often as possible, is a great place to start. Sharing private time with your child will invite conversation. Use conversation with your tween as a trust building/getting-to-know-you again exercise. Building trust is key for your tween to be able to confide in you.
Additional tips to stay connected to your tween are:
Recognize their need for independence.
- Re-think your previous ideas about discipline.
- Don’t take it personally.
- Use the tween years to teach values.
- Be aware of the pop culture they are exposed to.
- Stay aware of their schoolwork.
- Know their friend-base.
- Keep in mind that they are actively shaping their identity.
Being a tween is a confusing time for your child. Don’t wait until you see that your relationship needs some repair work… It’s never too late to build a great relationship with your child.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.