This summer marks a significant transition in my life: I now have a tween boy! One moment, my son was snuggled in bed surrounded by an army of stuffed animals, and the next, he’s sprawled out with earbuds in, completely engrossed in a YouTube video about Minecraft—no stuffed animals in sight. (Don’t worry, his favorite plush, Mr. Cuddles, is still around, just hiding.) The shift happened so quickly! My son, who has always had a talent for dramatic eyerolls and snappy comebacks, has taken his sarcasm to a whole new level since turning 11. I occasionally find myself in a state of mild panic, realizing we may be on the brink of full-blown teenage years. I can practically hear the whistle of that train approaching—complete with attitude.
Despite the challenges that come with this new phase, I’m focusing on the positives of having a tween boy. Compared to my naive 9-year-old, my energetic 6-year-old, and my adorable yet opinionated toddler, my oldest son’s characteristics—both good and bad—stand out even more. Here are some truly wonderful aspects of having a tween boy:
- Privacy Agreement: I still don’t have complete privacy (I mean, I still can’t even pee alone), but my tween understands the need for boundaries. He’s horrified at the thought of accidentally seeing me naked and has been known to cover his eyes and scream if he catches a glimpse. Thanks for that, buddy—hurray for modesty!
- Sensible Sleep Patterns: Unlike younger kids who fight bedtime but wake up early, my tween sleeps in as long as he can and stays up late reading. Finally, some logical sleep behavior!
- Self-Sufficient: Gone are the days of diapers. He washes his own hair (most of the time), makes his own food, and can even operate the microwave. He brushes his teeth and dresses himself. It feels like I’ve gained a few extra hands—if only he could master outfit coordination!
- Quieter Moments: While he still has his moments of whining and sulking, he’s generally quieter than his younger brothers. This is mostly because he spends time in his own world, earbuds firmly in place.
- A Great Sense of Humor: My son genuinely makes me laugh now, and for all the right reasons. He’s developed a knack for irony, and his quick wit keeps me entertained. Just the other day, as his brothers rushed to the pool, he smirked and said, “Wonder if they know why it’s warm?” Love his perspective!
- Capable Helper: He’s become quite the little helper. Whether bringing in groceries, lugging baby gear from the car, or managing a suitcase at the airport, it’s like I have an extra pair of hands—albeit with a side of commentary!
- Musical Taste: In the battle of what to listen to in the car, he’s on my side. He prefers my music choices, like Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5, over yet another rerun of his favorite animated film.
- Potty Trained: Need I say more?
- Sweet Sentiments: Occasionally, he surprises me with heartfelt moments. Just the other day, while dropping him off at camp, he hugged me and whispered, “I’m going to miss you.” It melted my heart!
- Adventurous Palate: He’s surprisingly open to trying new foods and has even taken a liking to salads. Although he still has a long list of foods he won’t touch, I’m hopeful he won’t always be a fast-food fan.
I realize I’m in a beautiful phase with my son—he’s no longer a demanding little child, yet not quite an unreasonable teenager. He’s a delightful companion, balancing youthful exuberance with a growing independence. Though I know the teenage years will bring their own challenges, I’m cherishing this moment. When he was just a baby or even a toddler, I could never have imagined who he would become. This fleeting stage of life is special, and I’m determined to savor it.
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Summary
Navigating the tween years with a boy brings both challenges and joys. From newfound privacy to a developing sense of humor, each day presents unique experiences. This transitional phase offers moments of sweetness and independence, reminding parents to cherish the fleeting time spent with their children.