A 12-Step Guide for Parents Navigating the Tween Years

Ah, the tween years—those delightful years between childhood and the teenage storm. Before we became parents, we received plenty of warnings about sleepless nights with babies and the wild antics of teenagers. Yet, no one ever warned us about the unique chaos that descends during the middle years.

These tween years can feel like emotional roller coasters, where one moment your child is asking for cuddles and the next, they’re slamming doors like a seasoned pro. If you’re a parent just stepping into this bewildering stage, fear not! Here’s a 12-step program designed to help you navigate the ups and downs of parenting a tween.

Step 1: Accept Your Lack of Control Over Your Tween’s Emotions

Face it: right now, you’re powerless. Repeat to yourself, “My sweet child is still in there somewhere.”

Step 2: Seek Help from a Higher Power

There will be moments when your tween leaves you questioning everything. What happened to my little angel? Spend some time praying for guidance—after all, they might just be plotting your demise in their dreams.

Step 3: Surrender to Their Emotional Waves

Your tween is trying to communicate but often gets frustrated. Instead of getting drawn into the chaos, find a pillow and scream into it after they’re asleep. Trust us; it helps!

Step 4: Reflect on Your Parenting Skills

What could you be doing better? The reality is, no one really knows. Just get through it, and occasionally indulge in a good cry or a glass of wine.

Step 5: Don’t Blame Yourself

You didn’t do anything wrong! Your darling child now believes they know everything while you know nothing. Just grab some chocolate and move on.

Step 6: Pray for Your Tween’s Character Improvement

They may be going through more than just mood swings. Pray for their hormones to level out while pretending you don’t notice the mess of clothes strewn around the house.

Step 7: Humbly Ask for Communication

Encourage your tween to express themselves without the eye-rolls and random tears. They might still want hugs, so don’t be shy about asking for those!

Step 8: Make a List of Potential Casualties

During this transformation, it’s likely your tween will unintentionally hurt friends, family members, and even the family cat. Apology gifts may be necessary for everyone.

Step 9: Prepare for Frequent Apologies

You’ll find yourself saying sorry frequently. Asking about their day could be a landmine, so just be ready to apologize for being present in their life.

Step 10: Own Your Mistakes

Spoiler alert: When you have a tween, you’re almost always wrong. Embrace it!

Step 11: Meditate on Their Happiness

This might mean endless snacks or letting them blast music at full volume. Don’t forget to meditate for your own sanity in the process.

Step 12: Share Your Wisdom

Let others know that parenting isn’t just about sleepless nights with babies; the tween years can bring their own set of tears. Help your friends understand that your role shifts from being involved to stealthily observing from a distance.

The tween years are just a phase, and you’ll make it through with a few snuggles and the occasional “thank you.” And don’t forget the chocolate—lots of chocolate! They still need you, even if they pretend otherwise.

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