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10 Reasons Why the Tween Years Are the Ultimate Sweet Spot
A couple of weekends ago, on a drizzly Sunday afternoon, my house was blissfully quiet for nearly three hours. My kiddos, aged 10, 11, and 13, whipped up their own snacks, cleaned up after themselves, and settled in to watch Toy Story. I tiptoed to the kitchen, tiptoeing like a ninja, terrified that any sudden movement would shatter their serene state. Then it hit me: I don’t need to worry about that anymore! They’ve outgrown the phase where my mere presence sends them into a frenzy.
As I embrace this golden period, let me share ten reasons why the tween years are undeniably the best of both worlds:
- Snuggle Sessions
They still crawl into bed to snuggle, whether it’s early morning or the middle of the night. The best part? They drift off to sleep in no time. If they don’t, I simply send them back to their own bed—and they go! - No More Fairy Tales
They’ve outgrown the belief in mythical characters. Forget the Tooth Fairy; if I forget to leave money under their pillow, there’s no crying or guilt trips. A simple apology and some cash, and we’re all good! Plus, the nightly elf relocation is now their responsibility. No more 1 a.m. panic attacks for me! - Dining Out is a Treat Again
Going to restaurants is enjoyable because they actually want to eat! They’re perpetually hungry, and I no longer find myself sneaking bites of their leftover grilled cheese. Goodbye, extra pounds from toddler food! - Shared Movie Time
We can actually watch movies together without constant interruptions for bathroom breaks. And when I need to make a pit stop, I can go solo without having to drag the kids along. - Quick Store Runs
Running into the store is a breeze! They can hop out of the car and follow me in without needing to be buckled and unbuckled. They even help carry bags now. If I’m feeling adventurous, I can leave them at home! - Family Nights are Still a Thing
Their social lives haven’t completely taken over yet. They’re still home on weekends, and we can engage in deep conversations about everything from politics to their favorite childhood toys. - I’m Still the Smart One
If they try to sneak extra video game time or raid my hidden stash of chocolate, I catch them easily. They haven’t quite perfected their sneaky skills yet. - Quality Time Together
Even though they roll their eyes at my dad jokes, they still enjoy hanging out with me. They crave my attention and laughter, which is a fleeting delight I’m holding onto. - Open Communication
They haven’t reached that elusive age where chatting about their day is like trying to crack a coconut with a rubber knife. I can read their moods, and most of the time, they’re willing to share their thoughts—especially if I offer a little bribe! - Expressing Emotions
They articulate their feelings now, which means fewer tantrums and more rational conversations. Grocery store meltdowns over snacks are a thing of the past; they’ve learned to negotiate without throwing a fit.
This stage is temporary, and I’m soaking up every moment while I can. Soon enough, my kids will be out more on weekends, mastering the art of sneaking around. So for now, I’m enjoying this sweet spot, hoping time will just slow down a tad.
For more insights on parenting and family life, check out our other blog posts, such as this one on privacy policies. And if you’re curious about home insemination, Make a Mom is a great resource!
Summary: The tween years offer a unique blend of independence and bonding time, making them a delightful stage for both kids and parents. From enjoyable family dinners to engaging conversations, this age brings a refreshing mix of fun and growth that shouldn’t be missed.