March 2012-Parent Tip on The Tween Brain
http://www.greatschools.org/parenting/learning-development/4342-communicating-with-tweens-video.gs
The above picture and video clip describes what life might be like if you are raising a "tween", the ages from 9 until about 12. It can be an emotional and social roller-coaster for your tween and in turn, can be one for you as their mom or dad!
In the beginning of the tween years, kids realize their parents are not always right-which is an important realization, but this can be challenging on the receiving end of debates and criticism. You are going to hear more complaints and they will see your imperfections and inconsistencies and certainly not hesitate to point these out.This is due to a stronger interconnectedness in the brain structure with improved memory, planning, problem-solving and information processing. For this age group, if you offer help too soon, they might feel insulted and think you don't have faith in their abilities-however, if it is offered too late, they may feel ignored. In some ways, you might feel that you can't win!!
They also start to realize faults more than assets in both themselves and others. They often waffle between competitiveness and cooperation. Friendships become more rigid and they are often trying to locate their place in their peer group. Mood swings are very common. You may see more arguing, impulsivity and mean behavior.
The good news is that tweens are growing more independent than in earlier years and they are going to become comfortable in their own skin, eventually. It might even be exciting to have more mature conversations with them as they become more and more aware of the world around them-and their place within it. As a parent of a tween, it is important for you to be the calm in the storm and not get caught up in the whirlwind yourself!
As always, if you would like to email me or call me, please feel free to do so!
Jennifer Moyer-Taylor
[email protected]
206-329-3260 X220
The above picture and video clip describes what life might be like if you are raising a "tween", the ages from 9 until about 12. It can be an emotional and social roller-coaster for your tween and in turn, can be one for you as their mom or dad!
In the beginning of the tween years, kids realize their parents are not always right-which is an important realization, but this can be challenging on the receiving end of debates and criticism. You are going to hear more complaints and they will see your imperfections and inconsistencies and certainly not hesitate to point these out.This is due to a stronger interconnectedness in the brain structure with improved memory, planning, problem-solving and information processing. For this age group, if you offer help too soon, they might feel insulted and think you don't have faith in their abilities-however, if it is offered too late, they may feel ignored. In some ways, you might feel that you can't win!!
They also start to realize faults more than assets in both themselves and others. They often waffle between competitiveness and cooperation. Friendships become more rigid and they are often trying to locate their place in their peer group. Mood swings are very common. You may see more arguing, impulsivity and mean behavior.
The good news is that tweens are growing more independent than in earlier years and they are going to become comfortable in their own skin, eventually. It might even be exciting to have more mature conversations with them as they become more and more aware of the world around them-and their place within it. As a parent of a tween, it is important for you to be the calm in the storm and not get caught up in the whirlwind yourself!
As always, if you would like to email me or call me, please feel free to do so!
Jennifer Moyer-Taylor
[email protected]
206-329-3260 X220