14 Signs Your Child is Becoming a Tween

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Is your child inching closer to that tween stage? If you’re not quite sure, check out this fun checklist to help you figure it out! If you find yourself agreeing with fewer than eight of these signs, breathe easy—you’re still in the little-kid zone! But if you’re ready to gear up for the future, here’s your chance to peek at what’s ahead.

So, you might have a tween if…

1. Your child insists on ordering from the adult menu because the kids’ meals feel too childish. They still want their favorite nuggets and mac and cheese, just in a fancier version. And of course, dessert must include a cookie or ice cream.
2. Characters like Jessie, Drake, Josh, and Victoria become their new pals, and they spend hours glued to the screen catching up with them.
3. The Tooth Fairy has been replaced by regular visits to the orthodontist—definitely a lot pricier than any tooth reward!
4. Animated films are declared “for babies,” especially those you were excited to watch together.
5. Your child has stopped referring to broccoli as “trees” or celery with raisins as “ants on a log,” and they won’t touch either.
6. Toys get more expensive; you thought those big Lego sets were pricey? Wait until you see the cost of a family data plan!
7. “Mommy” suddenly becomes “Mom.”
8. You feel like you know nothing anymore. Once you had all the answers, but now your suggestions are met with eye rolls and the desire to do the opposite. You might try reverse psychology, but hey, tweens are clever!
9. They shop at stores where everything costs more than what you typically spend on yourself in a year.
10. Their bedroom door only opens a couple of times a day: 1) when you’re not around, 2) when snack time hits, or 3) they need the cell phone charger. On the bright side, if the door is closed, you don’t have to see the mountain of laundry piled up inside.
11. Any comment from you is met with a dramatic eye roll or a “whatever.” Just pretend you didn’t notice and go enjoy your favorite show. Remember: This too shall pass!
12. They outgrow sneakers faster than you can ever budget for them.
13. The classic “It’s bedtime—let’s see how fast you can get upstairs!” gets you nothing but a blank stare now. Timing them for getting pajamas on or cleaning up is out the window!
14. And the toughest sign of all: they no longer want to hold your hand. It’s bittersweet, and I’m already getting a bit teary just thinking about it. But don’t worry—hugs are still okay (as long as they’re not in public)!

So, how did you do? If you found yourself nodding along with more than half of these, congratulations! Pour yourself a cup of tea and settle in for a binge-watch of your kid’s favorite show.

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Summary

Recognizing the signs that your child is transitioning into tweenhood can be both amusing and bittersweet. From their changing tastes in food and entertainment to the more expensive toys and their evolving relationship with you, this checklist offers a light-hearted look at the tween phase. Embrace the journey!