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13 Parenting Tips for Your Tweens (That Worked for Your Toddlers)
Parenting can feel like a rollercoaster, especially when your little one transitions into the tween phase. The chaos and noise can be overwhelming, but don’t fret—those toddler strategies you mastered can still apply. Think of tweens as just taller toddlers, navigating their way through a whirlwind of emotional, physical, and mental growth. Here are some tried-and-true approaches to help you tackle this exciting new chapter:
- Snack Attack: Keep your pantry stocked with snacks. Tweens are always hungry, and their bodies require extra fuel for all that growth. Just be ready to find snack remnants everywhere—it’s a small price to pay for keeping them happy.
- Respect Their Space: Tweens crave some alone time. Use this opportunity to enjoy a little peace yourself. Just check in periodically while letting them have their space.
- Embrace Naptime: Sleep is vital for tweens, so let them doze off where they feel comfortable—be it the couch or even the car. The drool cleanup is worth the rest they get!
- Offer Choices: Give them the illusion of control with options. “You can either clean the dishes or do the laundry.” This simple tactic works like a charm!
- Incentives Are Key: Bribes, or “incentives” as you might call them, can be quite effective. They might get pricier as your child grows, but rewarding good behavior is worth the investment.
- Understand Their Mood Swings: Hormones can create some irrational behavior. It’s part of their growth. Provide a safe space for them to express those feelings, even if it gets a bit wild.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish non-negotiable rules and communicate them clearly. Stand firm on these boundaries—consistency is essential.
- Ignore the Drama: When they throw a fit, don’t engage. Tweens might resort to dramatic outbursts like “I HATE YOU!” but it’s best to step away until everyone has cooled down.
- Celebrate Their Wins: Praise goes a long way. Let them know how proud you are of their achievements. It builds their confidence and reinforces positive behavior.
- Identify Their Motivators: Figure out what matters most to your tween and use that as leverage. Whether it’s their phone or video game privileges, removing those can work wonders when they misbehave.
- Stay Observant: Just like when they were toddlers, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your tweens. They face bigger challenges now, so vigilance is key.
- Express Your Love: Even if they roll their eyes, remind them you love them every day. They may not show it, but those words are still important.
- Keep Engaging: For more parenting tips and insights, check out our other blog posts, like this one on intracervical insemination.
Remember, parenting tweens can be tough, but with a few adjustments to your toddler strategies, you can navigate this stage with confidence.