What in the World is a Tween?

And How Do I Raise One?

Until my oldest daughter began getting closer to the age of 10, I had no idea what a tween was. Now a little older myself and a little wiser, I understand the definition of the term but still have no idea what it is and what I am supposed to do with it.

A tween is defined as a 10-15 year-old child that is no longer a kid but not yet a teenager. They want to assume a larger responsibility than their younger peers and feel they should be given more room to grow. It is at this point in life, when they will spread their social wings and make longer, more lasting friendships. Dating becomes a topic of conversation as do the age-old questions of, "When can I wear make-up?" or "Can I walk around the mall by myself?". The tween stage is one I always new came along with being a parent but was sure not prepared for it when it happened.

Creativity in Fashion

We as parents must remember popular clothes are not always pretty ones. Fashion is a very common outlet for a tween trying to find out who they are and where their niche is going to be. This goes for both boy and girl tweens and with media dictating so any ideas through television and radio broadcasts, we must understand they will never dress the way we think they should. Picking your battles is a very important key to making the transition from kid to teen smoother. If they do not match, its okay. If they are wrinkled and worn, it's okay. Try to keep coaching on what is appropriate and inappropriate for their age group.

Talking the Talk

The gap between growing up in a society and understanding that society happens to be a big part of tween life. Society can be a very complicated concept for someone whose intelligence and education have not yet caught up with their ambition. Try not to be surprised to hear your child talk about "hanging out" or "cute guys asking them out," growing up is not just a physical process but a mental one as well. When your tween seems to be moving on from child like thoughts to adult thoughts, try immersing yourself in their lives to better understand where they are coming from. By knowing what is happening you can better guide them through the struggles they are bound to face.