Smartphones and other electronic devices have been incredibly helpful, especially for activities like arranging pick-ups and keeping track of our tweens. However, it’s important to recognize when our relationship with these devices becomes unhealthy.

Excessive phone use can cause a number of health issues, from muscle and posture issues, eye strain and headaches to obesity; your child’s device usage needs to be addressed before it gets out of hand.

What happens when we start to see signs of addiction in our tweens? What steps can you take as a parent to ensure smartphones and electronic devices are being used for their correct purpose rather than becoming your child’s lifeline?

Here we’re going to look at 5 key tips for keeping your child’s relationship with their phone healthy.

5 Steps to a healthy relationship for tween phone use

1. Set Phone Restrictions

One of the best ways to deal with excessive phone use is to simply restrict it.

This will undoubtedly cause a battle, to begin with, but like overcoming any addiction, there will be discomfort before results. You may want to start with a gradual approach if going “cold turkey” will be too uncomfortable for your family or simply impractical.

You could start with a gradual restriction of use. For example, ensure mealtimes are cellphone free for everyone. As everyone gets used to this, extend this to time-limited starts in the morning and a cutoff point in the evening.

An overnight cut-off point to ensure they get a good night’s sleep is a non-negotiable.

There are many good parenting control apps you could use to set these time limits, such as Family Link if you’re using an Android device that connects with your Google account, or there are Screen Time settings built-in on iOS to manage your child’s device.  

2. Set Aside Phone-Free Days

Once your tween starts getting used to restricting their phone use, you can introduce phone-free days. Typically, these should be family days where the focus is on spending time together, so there is a distraction in place, and you’re ‘in it together”.

These don’t necessarily need to be a full 24 hours, but long enough, they get a significant screen break and enjoy an activity outside the home. Maybe you can set a rule on how long they have to check their phone when they get back home, but whilst you’re on your family day out, nobody checks their device. You might be surprised just how much this benefits you too!

3. Let Them Use Just One Device at a Time

How many times do you catch your tween using more than one screen? One eye glued to their phone while the TV blares away, or YouTube playing on their laptop while browsing through TikTok?

One screen is bad enough, but when they are using multiple screens at the same time, it’s not only excessive but unhealthy.

So, if they are doing homework on their laptop, don’t allow them to check their phone. Similarly, their phone should be tucked away on the charger or in another room if they want to watch a movie.

4. Keep Phones Out of Bedrooms

I am sure it’s not just the kids who are guilty of this! Do you charge your smartphone next to your bed and use it as your alarm clock?

It’s no surprise our tweens may develop this habit too, checking their phone first before having any human interaction with family.

Set up a charging station in your house where all devices are kept overnight. No one should be touching these then until morning greetings have been made and tasks completed, such as getting dressed or having school bags packed.

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Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

5. Limit Their Access to Social Media

Whilst this could also lead to many battles and comparison warfare, the reality is most social platforms are not intended for the pre-teen age group. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok all have an age limit set of 13 or 13 plus.

That said, I’m sure any tween brought up in the current generation knows how to download and access these. When setting up a new device for a tween, it’s essential to set the ground rules on what apps they’ll be allowed to access and when.

If you are making a conscious decision as a parent to allow them to bypass age rules on these platforms and have it on their device, usage needs to be closely monitored or completely restricted.

You can set restrictions on the phone so that certain apps can only be used during specific times of the day, for example.

Getting your tweens to spend less time on their phone and electronic devices these days isn’t easy. However, it is necessary if you want to promote healthy development and habits that they will see into their teenage years.

You may also be interested in reading our detailed guide to tweens and technology
If you’re in the market for tween tech, these are our top picks for gifts in 2023

The post 5 Tips for Dealing With Your Tweens Excessive Phone Use appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Entering middle school can be a big adjustment for kids, and while the school will help prepare them a little, there are more things you can do at home to help them succeed.

Did you know that research has shown that in the tween years that a lot of children lose interest in school? There are a few reasons for this.

• Many of their interests change. They may care more about their friends and the social aspect of school rather than grades and classes.
• Their bodies are changing. They are at the age where their bodies are going through changes, and they are developing.  
• Middle school can be more demanding. When kids enter middle school, there are more demands that need to be met. That may mean more schoolwork or homework, more classes they will have to take, more sports activities, and others.

As parents, we may not be able to control everything that happens, but we can help prepare them for what is about to come and the beset way to handle those changes. These are a few of the things that you can do when it comes to preparing your tween for middle school.

Talk About Changes That May Be Coming

One of the first things you should do after they finish elementary school is to talk with them about middle school and some of the changes that are going to happen. There are two huge changes that will most likely be happening and those are 1) going to a new school and 2) having to adjust to all of the new classmates they may meet and mingle with.

There may be other changes they are worried about or that you haven’t thought about. Sit down and talk with them to see what they may be worried about or what they are curious about. Flat out asking them may be one of the best ways to get a feel for what they are thinking about when it comes to transitioning.

As they talk, be sure to let them know that even though this may be a scary time with a lot of adjustments, there will be lots of fun and excitement that come along with the change.

Start Establishing a Routine for the Upcoming Year

With middle school comes more responsibilities and many changes. Just like their younger school years, having a routine can really help your tween through the middle school years. Some parents like to start routines during the summer months or a month or so before the new school year starts. This can ensure that your child is eased into the new changes and not just thrown into them.

While you help your tween establish a new routine, it is also a good time to help them learn more about being organization and of course, time management.

In the middle school years, they will be juggling classes and different assignments from each of those classes. They will also be switching classes between bells and having to be on time for their next class. Teaching them some organizational skills will help them keep everything together so they can find it when they need it. Time management skills will help them be on time to their classes.

Another good routine to start is to get your child to pack their bookbag or lunch bag the night before. They can also lay out their clothes the night before so they can get up, eat breakfast, and get ready. All of these will help make the school morning run smoother.

Attend Orientation or Schedule a Tour of the School

Most schools offer orientation days where kids and parents can meet their teachers and get to know the layout of the school a little more and where their classes will be. If your school doesn’t do an orientation, you can always call the school to see if they will give you and your new middle schooler a look around.

Attending the orientation, or a tour of the school, can help them see what their new environment is going to be like. They won’t come in on the first day and wonder where they are going, where the restrooms are, or where their lockers and classrooms will be. Instead, your tween will be a little more prepared and know exactly where their classes are going to be.

Get All the Supplies They Need for the Year

Oh, the joys of back-to-school shopping! As parents, we may not have fun shopping for new clothes and school supplies for the new school year, but your tween may enjoy it.

Shopping for new school supplies and clothes may also excite them for the upcoming year and take their mind off the stress and fears of the transitions.

In addition to your typical folders, notebooks, and pencils, let your child pick out different accessories for their lockers. Their lockers will store everything they need during the school year, so making it their own can be helpful. They’ll feel joy and comfort when opening their lockers and seeing some of their favorite things.

Tip: get them familiar with combination locks. Locks are not something they may have had to worry about in elementary school, but in middle school, they will typically need a combination lock for their lockers. Have them practice locking and unlocking the combination lock beforehand so that they know the process and can get it down.

Encourage Your Tween to Be Social

Middle school is when kids start to be more social. The social aspect of middle school can be one of the most challenging parts of the entire process.

It’s the time when they can join social groups, get involved in extracurricular activities, and make new friends. Encourage them to be social and to take part in these activities. Encourage them to be friendly with everyone and not to treat anyone any differently.

What You Can Do as a Parent

While your tween figures out their new routines and starts their middle school journey, there are a few things you can do as a parent to ensure they are on track.

1. Stay on top of their academics and make sure they are doing their schoolwork so they don’t get behind.
2. Stay positive and upbeat about the upcoming changes. This will help your tween be more excited too.
3. Check in with them periodically to see how they are doing and if they are facing any trouble that you can help with.
4. Talk with their teachers to be sure they are doing well.
5. Encourage and reward responsible behavior.
6. Be there for your tween when they need advice or want to talk about how they are feeling or things that may be happening.

The transition from elementary school to middle school can be hard for kids. Getting them prepared and helping them navigate that change can help them succeed and do well during that transition.

More Parenting Reads And Ideas For Your New Middle Schooler

If your tween is just about to finish elementary school, here are some fun and endearing gift ideas for an elementary school graduate.

Have your girl looking her best, beautiful elementary school graduation dresses

For farewell speeches and graduate gift cards, some inspiring elementary school graduate quote ideas

Shop early for your Middle School supplies, and don’t forget a cool backpack that can fit all their books and tech needs.

The post Preparing Your Tween For Middle School – Positive Steps To Take Now appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Graduation is a very special time of the year, but it can also be a scary one. Going from elementary school to middle school can be challenging. It could mean a new school, new friends, a new area, and more, which is where a good quote can come in handy.

Quotes can inspire and help get you through tough times. These quotes for elementary school graduation can be something your child never forgets as they grow older and continue through the more advanced stages of school.

You could use these quotes in an elementary school graduation speech or to write a card or encouraging message to accompany a small graduation gift for your tween.

Quotes For Elementary School Graduation

“Understand that one day you will have the power to make a difference, so use it well.” – Mindy Kaling

“Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.”

Lady Gaga

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Les Brown

“Choose your friends with caution, plan your future with purpose, and frame your life with faith.” – Thomas S. Monson

“The road to success is always under construction.” – Lily Tomlin

“Be Bright. Be Brave. Be Bold. Be Beautiful. Be Brilliant. Be You.”

Paulo Coelho

“Don’t just read the easy stuff. You may be entertained by it, but you will never grow from it.” – Jim Rohn

“Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.” – Albert Einstein

“Promise me you’ll remember: You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”

Taylor Swift

“There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.” – Unknown

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” – Dr. Seuss

“Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.” – Michelle Obama

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.“

Dr. Seuss

“Be Silly, Be Honest, Be Kind.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“You don’t have to be famous. You just have to make your mother and father proud of you, and you already have.” – Meryl Streep

“Be bold, be courageous, be your best.” – Gabrielle Giffords

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan but also believe.”

Anatole France

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible.” – Audrey Hepburn

More for Your Elementary School Graduate

We hope you found the perfect inspiring and uplifting piece from our elementary school graduation quotes collection. If your child’s big day is coming up soon, you may also be interested in:

Finding the perfect gift for an elementary school graduate

Have your girl looking her best, beautiful elementary school graduation dresses

The change from elementary to middle school can be challenging for some tweens; here, we step you through some positive parenting steps you can take for the middle school transition.

Get a head start on next year’s school needs with our middle school supplies list.

The post Inspiring Quotes For Elementary School Graduation appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Tween is short for “Tweenager” – a made-up word really for that “in-between” stage from early childhood to hitting puberty and becoming a teenager. The moniker “tween” is believed to date back to the 1980s.

There is no strict definition of age, but generally, it’s accepted to mean kids that fall in the 9 to 12-year-old age group (though there are plenty of definitions that describe it as 10 to 14 years of age, others say it starts as young as eight).

Whilst the teenage years are most commonly associated with growth spurts, mood swings, attitude changes, and of course puberty, tweens have their fair share of physical and more importantly emotional development needs that need to be met too.

Pre-teens, pre-adolescents, call them as you will; some kids will glide slowly and gracefully through this childhood phase with few changes in their demeanor, while others will confront the tween years front on and with full abandon.

Tween Developments and Changes

It can certainly catch us parents off guard when habits and moods in our little child suddenly start to change. Some of the changes that may occur during early adolescence include:

Mentally – During the tween years, our children’s brains are going through a period of fairly rapid growth and development. Far more capable than their younger peers in reasoning, problem-solving, and anticipating consequences, but often still in a self-centered way.

Socially – Where parents/caregivers and siblings are very much the center of their world in the early years up to about 7 or 8 years old, tweens will start to gravitate more towards their peers. The need to ‘fit in’ will become far more prevalent and friendship dynamics can change.

Physically – Toward the later part of the tween years, don’t be surprised by sudden growth spurts, endless eating, increased sleep, weight gain, and changes in physical appearance. Not to mention hair growing in funny places, growing genitals, and the onset of menstruation in girls.

Independence – Once they would immediately turn to a parent or adult for help, there is a far greater desire to ‘work it out’ for themselves, even embarrassment if you try to interject – or stand close to them in public.

Responsibility – Along with this independence is the granting of responsibility; perhaps to look out for their siblings for short periods, to run an errand for you, or to clean their own room. It will vary vastly by the child, but most will have the CAPABILITY, if not the desire, to be seen as responsible.

Top Tips For Parenting Tweens

Whilst most of us probably read endless books and articles on the early childhood years, once our kids are happily off to elementary school, we tend to put down the parenting manuals and rely much more on our parenting intuition.

It’s fair to say you may require a small (or big!) change in your approach or parenting style once you hit the tweenage years. There’s a delicate balancing act between keeping your kids close whilst giving them the independence and responsibility they need to prepare them for adolescence thoroughly.

Here are just a few pointers for parenting tweens to consider:

• Pushing the boundaries – Be ready to set limits and stick with them, but include your tween in the reasoning process, or it will just feel like rules for rule’s sake. Explain why a certain rule needs to be implemented and let them contribute to where a boundary should be set.

• A united front – This is also the age where children realize that they can quite consciously pick one parent over the other to raise their issues or get things their way. Whether parents are living together or not, it helps to decide important matters together.

• Pick your battles – Oh, how many times have you heard this? Just when you thought it was over letting your toddler wear his Batman costume for three days straight, you need to take the same approach with your tween too. Set the rules firmly and fairly, but decide which ones matter when they’re broken.

• Perplexing personalities – Budding football star one day, fashionista the next. They are truly working out their place in the world, and what was ‘cool’ one day will make them a laughing stock the next. Be prepared for these rapid changes in interests, be supportive, and go with the flow.

• Give them room to expand new hobbies- Be it sports or a new computer game they want to try – but connect with them about it too. Offer to come and watch their games, ask how they felt they played that day, or what did they enjoy today about that online game (I have a far more intimate knowledge of Minecaft than one ever would have thought necessary for a grown adult that’s never played the game!)

• Don’t dish out on their modern role models – Sure, we’ve got no idea who that YouTube star is or can’t stand that song they keep on playing, but it’s THEIR interests forming part of their personality. Be involved, question, guide on what’s appropriate, but don’t pay out or be overly judgmental when it isn’t needed.

• Affection deflection – Cuddles and kisses may not come so quickly and easily once they hit the tween years. It doesn’t mean they don’t love you just the same or get some pure joy still out of those deep warm mama hugs; it just means there’s a time and a place for it.

• Personal space – On the same lines, there will be an increased need for their own time and space and some privacy. Make sure family timetables aren’t so packed they don’t get any of that ‘me time’ they might crave, and they have somewhere at home to call their own.

• Increased workload – Expectations don’t just change at home when it comes to chores and pulling their weight, but at school, too; subjects become more challenging, and homework expectations change. This can add to their overall mental load, and they may need help organizing competing demands from home, school, and friends.

• Be puberty prepared – Although we may think of puberty being a teen parent issue, tween girls especially can hit puberty early. Don’t assume they will learn everything they need to from school, or heaven forbid TikTok; guide them to accurate and reliable resources if they are too embarrassed to ask their questions directly (We have a good guide to online parental and tween health resources here).

• Role model good behavior – Basically, practice what you preach; if it’s healthy to get exercise and fresh air every day and not be stuck on a screen, all of you should do it! And life doesn’t have to always be serious, show them you can still muck around and goof off in fun and respectable ways – growing up doesn’t need to be boring!

Whilst the tween years may not seem like the most stressful compared to all the other ages and stages a child goes through, they’re certainly the most formative of their childhood. It’s where personalities develop, where habits become set, and views on the world around them are formed.

It can be a roller coaster but a fun and amazing one if you’re prepared to jump aboard and enjoy all those ups and downs!

More Tween Parenting Reads

If you’re entering the murky water of tween parenting and seeking out a little more guidance, you’ve come to the right place. Up next, you may want to jump into one of our most-read tween parenting blog topics, including:

How to deal with your tween’s excess phone usage – rules for your whole family to live by
Has your young lady’s mood and demeanor changed? How to cope if you think your tween girl is now the mean girl
Let’s face it; a time will come when you need to start having some awkward conversations with your son – here’s how we’d tackle those touchy subjects.
Is your daughter reaching puberty early? Here’s how to discuss first bras and prepare her for menstruation
Why it’s important to also talk to our sons about girls’ periods
Positive ways to discipline tweens without the domestic battlelines being drawn

So Tell Me More About Tween Parent

In our little corner here of the internet, tweenparent.com hopes to arm parents with the confidence they need to get them through the tween years. From helpful resources to gift shopping guides, a little spot on the internet dedicated to the pre-teen years and preparing you for the teen years ahead.

Pleased to have you on board!

If you’d like to see our latest tween parent guides as they’re published just pop your email at the bottom of this page.

The post What is a “Tween”? Tween Meaning Explained appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

For tweens just getting started with journaling, putting a pen and a blank piece of paper in front of them can be overwhelming. Your mind goes blank, and you can’t think of anything to write.

That’s where journal prompts for beginners can come in handy. Journal prompts for beginners are simple questions or sentences that they can think about and then put their thoughts into words.

They take out that pressure of figuring out what to write and give them a direction to follow so that they can write more and get started a little easier. It can also be a great way for your tween to foster that love of writing and build their writing and grammar skills.

Beautiful Journals For Tweens – Our Top 3 Picks for 2024

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Benefits of Journaling

There are several different benefits of getting your tween to start journaling. The benefits of journaling range from academic learning to mental well-being. Here are a few ways tweens can benefit from writing in a journal and using journal prompts.

• Journaling can be relaxing. Tweens are going through a lot during their school years, and journaling can take their mind off things and let them relax a little bit.

• It provides a positive outlet for tweens to express themselves.

• Journaling is a starting point for writing and can foster a love for writing and storytelling.

• Grammar is a big part of writing, and when your tweens write in their journal, they can improve their grammar skills and learn new words (without the pressure of being graded and making a mistake!).

• With their writing, your tween can get creative and tell a story.

Tween Journal Prompts for Beginners

1. What is your favorite song, and why do you like it? Why is it so special to you?

2. Tell me about your best friend and what you like about him or her.

3. If you had to create a new sandwich for the family to eat, how would you make it? What would you put on the sandwich? Do you think your family will like it?

4. What is something that you would like to learn to do?

5. If you could travel back in time, what year would you go to and why?

6. If you could travel to the future, what year would you visit? What do you think you will see?

7. Do you have a favorite place to go when you want to be alone? If so, tell me about it.

8. What is the nicest thing that you have ever done for someone?

9. Would you rather be a mouse or a bear? Why?

10. If you were to write a movie, what would it be about? Who would you want to star in it?

11. Tell me about your favorite childhood memory.

12. Name one thing that calms you down when you get mad. Share an example of when you were angry and used it to help calm you down.

13. Which subject in school is the easiest? Which do you find the most difficult?

14. Have you ever received advice from an adult? What was it? Did you take their advice and if so, how did it help?

15. If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go? What kind of things would you do while you were there?

16. What is your favorite day of the week? Why is it your favorite?

17. What is your favorite holiday? What makes that holiday so special for you?

18. If there was one thing you could change about school, what would it be?

19. List three things that you like about yourself.

20. If you had the chance to meet someone famous, who would you want to meet and why?

21. Tell me about a time when you were sad.

22. Have you ever had a bully? If so, what would you say to your bully if you could?

23. Who is someone that you admire? What do you admire about him or her?

24. If you could change your name to anything, what would it be and why?

25. What is the worst thing you have experienced at school?

26. If you had a million dollars, what would you spend it on?

27. What do you think being a teenager will be like?

28. Imagine if the world was run by robots. What do you think it would be like? Do you think it would be fun?

29. What do you think your dog, cat, or pet would say to you if they could talk?

30. If you could have a superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?

For tweens who are just getting started with journaling, these journal prompts for beginners are a great way to get them started. With the journal prompts, tweens can read the prompts, think about their answers, and write about them in more detail and creatively.

The most important part of getting started with journalling is creating the mental space to allow the ideas to flow. With hectic schedules and reliance on devices, try and help your tween with the right tools she needs and the perfect setting without other interruptions to be alone with her thoughts.

The post 30 Inspiring Journal Prompts For Beginners appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Each of these tween parent quotes will inspire, encourage, or tell a story of what you want for your tween as he or she gets older. A few funny quotes about tweens are thrown in the group, too, just to give you a little laugh at the truth.

If you are raising a tween, you will be able to relate to these quotes about tweens. Each has a little truth to them, and all of them will touch you in some way.

Tween Parent Quotes

“I constantly go between wanting you to be my baby forever and being excited about all the amazing things you’ll do in this life.” – Unknown

“By loving them for more than their abilities we show our children that they are much more than the sum of their accomplishments.” – Eileen Kennedy-Moore

“So often, children are punished for being human. They are not allowed to have grumpy moods, bad days, disrespectful tones, or bad attitudes. Yet, we adults have them all the time. None of us are perfect. We must stop holding our children to a higher standard of perfection than we can attain ourselves.” – Rebecca Eanes

“Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older, they judge them; sometimes they forgive them.”

Oscar Wilde

“Nothing is worse than having to wake up a tween to go somewhere early” – Unknown

“My kids are turning out just like me. Well played karma, well played.” – Unknown

“Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older, they judge them; sometimes they forgive them.” – Jodi Picoult

“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.”

Diogenes

“You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.” – Franklin P. Adams

“Children really brighten up a household. They never turn the lights off.” – Ralph Bus

“Children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk.” – Carl Jung

“If your tween doesn’t roll their eyes at you at least once, you’re not doing it right.”

Unknown

“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.” – Hodding Carter

“The most beautiful thing in the world is to see your children smiling and knowing that you’re the reason behind their smile.” – Unknown

“The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, our present, and our future. No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm, and courage of the young people.” – Kailash Satyarthi

“Even though your kids will consistently do the exact opposite of what you’re telling them to do, you have to keep loving them just as much.”

Bill Cosby

“Your children vividly remember every unkind thing you ever did to them, plus a few you really didn’t. – Mignon McLaughlin

“There really are places in the heart you don’t even know exist until you love a child.” – Anne Lamott

“The children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside.” – Whitney Houston

“Children do well if they can, if they can’t we need to figure out why so we can help.”

Ross Greene

Quotes About Raising Boys

“You don’t raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they’ll turn out to be heroes, even if it’s just in your own eyes.” – Wally Schirra

“I have a son, who is my heart. A wonderful young man, daring and loving and strong and kind.” – Maya Angelou

“Ask your child what he wants for dinner only if he’s buying.” – Fran Lebowitz

“Raising boys has made me a more generous woman than I really am.”

Mary Kay Blakely

“Getting a tween to clean their room can be one of the biggest challenges we face.” – Unknown

“You are loved for the boy you are, the man you will become, and the precious son you will always be.” – Unknown

“Let your boys test their wings. They may not be eagles, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t soar free.” – C.J. Milbrandt

“You think they eat a lot when they are babies, just wait until they become tweens.”

Unknown

“Raising boys is an extreme sport, that’s why I wear workout clothes every day.” – Unknown

“You don’t raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they’ll turn out to be heroes, even if it’s just in your own eyes.” – Walter M. Schirra, Sr.

Quotes About Raising Girls

“Teach your daughters to worry less about fitting into glass slippers and more about shattering glass ceilings.” – Melissa Marchonna

“I think the hardest thing for a mother is to make it possible for a child to be independent and at the same time let the child know how much you love her, how much you want to take care of her, and yet how truly essential it is for her to fly on her own.”

Madeline Albright

“Girls are the future mothers of our society, and it is important that we focus on their well-being.” – Miriam Makeba

“A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful memories of the present and the hope and promise of the future.” – Unknown

“We must teach our girls that if they speak their mind, they can create the world they want to see.” – Robyn Silverman

“A daughter will follow in her mom’s footsteps so make sure to set a good example”

Elizabeth George

“As for my girls, I’ll raise them to think they breathe fire.” – Jessica Kirkland

“In a world of flowers grown in pots, I’d like you girls to thrive in the wild.” – Jennifer Tindugan-Adoviso

“If I could give my daughter three things, it would be the confidence to always know her self-worth, the strength to chase her dreams, and the ability to know how deeply loved she is.” – Unknown

“Confidence gives your girl the ability to brush herself off and get back up after any setback.”

Sheryl Sandberg

You may also want to check out our inspirational quotes for tweens – these are ideal for your tween boys and girls to use in motivational posters or perhaps as journalling prompts.

The post Terrific Quotes About Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

We often forget that being a tween can be hard. Tweens are at the in-between age where they are still maturing. Their body is changing. Their emotions are all over the place and they may not know exactly how to handle those emotions and changes.  That’s where positive quotes for tweens can come in handy.

Inspirational Quotes for Tweens

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.” – Matty Mullins

 “Don’t be afraid of failure. This is the way to succeed.” – LeBron James

“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” – Unknown

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember…the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”

Henry Ford

“If you are always trying to be normal, you’ll never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou

“It isn’t where you came from. It’s where you’re going that counts.” – Ella Fitzgerald

“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.” – Reba McEntire

“Make it happen. Shock everyone.”

Unknown

“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.” – P.T. Barnum

“Believe in yourself and you can do unbelievable things.” – Unknown

“Stop doubting yourself! You are so strong, show the world what you got!” – Unknown

“Be brave, fight for what you believe in and make your dreams your reality.”

Unknown

“Be brave, fight for what you believe in and make your dreams your reality.” – Unknown

“If you don’t believe in yourself, why is anyone else going to believe in you.” – Tom Brady

“The strongest people aren’t always the people who win, but the people who don’t give up when they lose.” – Unknown

Encouraging Quotes for Tweens

“No matter what you’re going through, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” – Demi Lovato

“When people try to tell you who you are, don’t believe them.” – Maria Popova

“The people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs

“Be the reason someone feels welcome, seen, heard, valued, loved, and supported.”

Unknown

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out!” – Dr. Seuss

“Everyone you admire was once a beginner.” – Jack Butcher

“No matter what you look like or think you look like, you’re special, loved, and perfect just the way you are.” – Ariel Winter

“Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.”

Unknown

“Beautiful people are not always good, but good people are always beautiful.” – Imam Ali

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” – Albert Einstein

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – E.E. Cummings

“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” – Carol Burnett

“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” – Robert H. Schuller

“Count your rainbows, not your thunderstorms.” – Janice Thompson

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”

Bernard M. Baruch

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of someone else.” – Judy Garland

Positive Quotes for Tweens

“Stay kind. It makes you beautiful.” – Unknown

“Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.” – Lady Gaga

“Follow your heart, listen to your inner voice, stop caring about what others think.” – Roy T. Bennett

“You have to be authentic; you have to be true, and you have to believe in your heart.”

Howard Schultz

“When you replace ‘why is this happening to me’ with ‘what is this trying to teach me?’ Everything shifts.” – Unknown

“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.” – Robin Williams 

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

Oscar Wilde

“The most beautiful things in life are not things. They’re people and places and memories and pictures. They’re feelings and moments and smiles and laughter.”- Unknown

“You will always pass failure on your way to success.”– Mickey Rooney

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

“The sky is full of stars and there’s room for them all to shine.”

Unknown

“You’re never going to be happy being anyone other than yourself.” – Thibaut

“People are not as beautiful as they look and talk. They are only as beautiful as they love, as they care, as they share.” – Ritu Ghatourey

“We should all celebrate our individuality and not be embarrassed or ashamed of it.” – Johnny Depp

“Train your mind and heart to see the good in everything. There is always something to be thankful for.”

Unknown

“Just be yourself, there is no one better.” – Taylor Swift

“You were born to stand out, stop trying to fit in.” – Roy T. Bennett

“Life is like photography. You need the negatives to develop.” – Ziad K. Abdelnour

Motivational Quotes for Tweens

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

“If you’re making mistakes, it means you’re out there doing something.” – Neil Gaiman

“It is the ability to resist failure or use failure that often leads to greater success.” – J. K. Rowling

“Teamwork can build friendships that last a lifetime.”

Natalya Neidhart

“Resilience means you experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt. You fall. But you keep going.” – Yasmin Mogahed

“Nothing is particularly hard if you break it down into small jobs.” – Henry Ford 

“Take care not to listen to anyone who tells you what you can and can’t be in life.” – Meg Medina

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison

“You cannot change what you are, only what you do.” – Philip Pullman

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” – Colin Powell

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”

Michael Jordan

“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.” – Stephen Hawking

These encouraging, positive, motivational, and inspirational quotes for tweens will help them with a variety of different things they have to encounter at this age. They can encourage and motivate them to overcome those challenges – you may also want to see more of our quotes about tweens, from the parent’s perspective!

So tell me more about Tween Parent

In our little corner here of the internet, tweenparent.com hopes to arm parents with the confidence they need to get them through the tween years. From helpful resources to gift shopping guides, a little spot on the internet dedicated to the pre-teen years and preparing you for the teen years ahead.

Pleased to have you on board!

If you’d like to see our latest tween parent guides as they’re published just pop your email at the bottom of this page.

The post Inspirational Quotes For Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

You may even remember when you found out the Christmas truth. But when you become parents, something happens. You become in charge of the magic. You become responsible for making memories and keeping the festivities alive. And that is a new sort of magic.

But just like it happened for you as a child, there will come a time when you need to tell your kids about Santa. Curiosity can start to creep in from as young as 9. However, it might be between 9 and 12 when your child asks questions.  

School might be the first place they hear something different from what they have understood of Christmas for the past few years. It may come from social media or watching things on YouTube. The truth is hard, especially if they have been second-guessing it for a while.

So, if you think you are at the stage with your little ones and the time has come to approach the topic, I wanted to share some of the sensitive ways to approach the subject and suggest a few lines that will help you cover what is needed. There will be lots of emotion, I am sure, and not just from your little ones. However, this isn’t the end of the spirit of Christmas, but more a new chapter on what Christmas can be.  

When are the kids ready?  

You may dread the time when you need to think about telling kids about Santa. I don’t blame you! I think most of us will remember the moment we found out and how sad it can be. But when are the kids ready to know?

Talking about Santa can be purely led by what your child has started to ask or signs they may be showing they are skeptical. It could be that they have shown curiosity from as young as eight years old but might not have asked questions. However, if you get to the stage where there haven’t been any questions, and your child is in middle school, you may want to make the decision to talk to them. After all, their peers may already know, which can avoid embarrassment.

You will know in your heart when your child is ready. It can depend on their line of questioning and how much skepticism they will show.  

Sensitive ways to approach the topic 

If the question of whether Santa is real has become a big topic of conversation in your home, then you may want to decide on how best to discuss it with your child. Telling kids about Santa is always going to be difficult, even if they have been extremely skeptical. Many kids still hold on to that glimmer of faith. So, I wanted to share a few sensitive approaches you could take regarding this topic.  

Find a calm place to talk  

One of the first things to consider is taking them to a calm and quiet place so you both can talk properly. The last thing you want or need is a distraction. You also will want to ensure that you are away from any younger siblings who may not be ready to hear about Santa.

It is also a good idea to avoid public places as you may find that there is some emotion to be dealing with. The quiet and calm space will encourage an open conversation.  

Be led by their questioning 

There will never be the perfect moment to discuss the question of whether Santa is real, but what you can do is be led by your child and their questions.   

Be honest 

It is important to be as honest as you can be. The last thing you want to be doing is answering with another myth or make-believe. This can make your child skeptical of things you might tell them in the future. If they are asking or showing signs of skepticism, it is time to be honest about it.  

Talk about your own experiences  

A great way to show empathy is to discuss your own experience. Perhaps share with your child how you found out about Santa. You can discuss how you felt and the experience you had, which will help to validate their own thoughts and feelings.  

Explain the magic of Christmas  

Explaining what the magic of Christmas is all about can help your child to look at the festive season with a different approach. Sure they will still get gifts, but Christmas is so much more than that.  

Ask them for help 

If they have younger siblings, you could ask them for help. Asking them to help be part of the magic and making it special for their younger siblings will give them a sense of purpose and responsibility.  

Some of the things you could say 

If you are unsure of what to say to your child when talking about Santa, here are a couple of suggestions: 

• Explain that Santa is a symbol. He is a symbol of someone who lived a very long time ago, St Nicholas, who gave money to people who needed it.  

• Play the Santa Game. You can allow your child to continue believing in Santa, write letters and visit him.  

• Explain that everyone has different beliefs about what Santa represents, so it is important to be respectful of that.  

• Santa has always been seen as a reminder that we need to be kind and loving to the people who are important to us. This goes for people who know us but also people we don’t who may have less than us. He was a symbol created to remind us we need to think of others at Christmastime.  

Dealing with their emotions  

There will be emotion and possibly grief from your child when they find out about Santa. Telling kids about Santa is not necessarily going to be an easy thing for you to do. Make sure you give them time and space to absorb and reflect.

Respect their boundaries and also allow them to be sad and express their emotions. If younger siblings are involved, encourage your older child to be part of the magic you once created for them. They can start to see how amazing it is to be on that “other side” and help.  

You may also get a little fallout in terms of the myth you have been discussing for years, which is understandable. But reiterate that it is more about the symbolism of Christmas and not that it is a lie.  

We hope these tips and suggestions help you prepare to tell kids about Santa.  

You may also want to pop over next and read more of our ideas for Christmas activities to keep tweens involved in the spirit of Christmas.

The post How To Tell Kids About Santa appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

While both tween boys and girls can be unkind as a mother of daughters, I only hear about the meanness of the female variety. During middle school, surging hormones and shifting alliances make it ripe for girls to test their social powers, and sometimes maliciously.

Mean girls’ behavior includes gossip, teasing, bullying, backstabbing, verbal put-downs of others, and using others to get ahead. ‘Frenemies’ are common in tweens as they are friends one minute and enemies the next.

There’s a mean tween girl in just about every school, clique, band, religious education class, carpool, and soccer team. And they target their fellow tween girls whom they are jealous of or who stick out from the crowd.

Tag along, and let’s go through some of the telltale signs that your queen bee daughter may be taking her pack leader status to straight-up tyranny. We’ll also cover what to do when your tween daughter is going through bullying and how to handle these delicate situations.

What To Do If Your Tween Daughter Is The Victim Of “Mean Girls”

What can you do as a parent to help your tween girl when she finds herself the target of another tween’s cruelty or physical aggression?

Here are some tips on how you can address the situation effectively and without over-personalizing it as a parent. Here are signs to look out for in your tween girl if they are facing a bully:

• Your tween daughter might suddenly prefer you drive her to school rather than using the bus.

• Your tween has unexplained injuries or bruises.

• Your tween’s mood changes immediately after looking at their cell phones or other social media platforms.

• Your tween girl might also have the “victim” body language like avoiding eye contact and hanging her head.

• Your tween is moody, anxious, depressed, or withdrawn.

• Your tween doesn’t seem to be eating her lunch. She either comes back home unusually hungry or with her lunchbox untouched.

• Your tween comes home with damaged or missing belongings.

• Your tween always wants to stay at home and skip school. This might be accompanied by frequent headaches and a lack of sleep.

If these are some of the signs that your tween is displaying, then you should:

• Assure your tween girl that you are always there for them to talk to and listen to them. When your tween knows that she can turn to you for advice, she will not feel so alone.

• Strategize with your tween: have with your tween problem-solving solutions against the “diva.” Some of the strategies that have worked are:
  • Ignoring the gossip girl
  • Teach your tween not to react out of fear or anger
  • Use the buddy system, let your tween know there is strength in numbers.
  • Have some practical and straightforward slogan ready and then walk away
  • Explain the difference between “tattling” and “telling.” Let your tween talk to an adult.

• You can make sure your tween daughter develops as many healthy friendships as possible for peer support.

• Do not minimize the problem or tell your tween she is being “too sensitive.”

• Do not blame your tween for what is happening.

• Do not rush in immediately and take over, your over-keen interference could not only embarrass but inflame the situation.

What To Do If Your Tween Girl Is The “Mean Girl”

When your tween gets napped in the web of bullying, it does not necessarily mean that they are “bad kids.” Your tween girl might be bullying in a bid to fit in with a group of her peers who are also bullies.

Your tween girl might also be craving for attention or is naturally assertive leading to them being bullies. Other reasons that may lead your well-behaved tween to be unkind are:

• Your tween tends to perceive her peer’s behavior as hostile, even when it is not.

• Your tween does not fully grasp how her behavior makes the victim feel.

• Your tween girl thrives on drama and often resorts to cyberbullying to torment their victims. She may result in bullying to kill boredom and entertain themselves.

• Your tween girl wants to be in control or have power.

• Your tween might be a bully as a way to retaliate or seek revenge, as this might bring them a sense of relief and vindication for what they experienced.

• Your tween might be a bully because of problems at home. Tweens and teens from abusive homes are more likely to bully because aggression and violence are modeled for them.

So How Can You Help Stop Your Tween Girl From Being “The Mean Girl”?

Whether physical or verbal bullying, if it does not stop, it can lead to more aggressive antisocial behavior and interfere with your tween’s success in school and ability to form and keep friendships.

• Let your tween girl know that bullying is not okay and can escalate to serious consequences at home, in the community, or in school if it continues.

• Try also to understand the reasons behind your child’s behavior. In some cases, tweens bully because they have trouble managing strong emotions like anger, insecurity, and frustration.

• Try to teach your tween cooperative ways to work out conflicts and understand differences.

• Make sure your tween girl understands that you will not tolerate bullying at home. Set rules about bullying and stick to them. While at this and your tween acts aggressively at home, put a stop to it and teach them more appropriate ways to react, like walking away.

• Teach your tween to treat others with respect and kindness. Your tween should know it is wrong to ridicule differences like race, appearance, special needs, gender, economic status, or religion. In trying to instill a sense of empathy for those who are different, you can consider getting involved in a community group where your tween can interact with diverse peers.

• Encourage good behavior in your tween. Positive reinforcement can be more powerful than discipline. When you catch your tween being good and improving positively on the behavior, take notice and praise them for it.

• Learn about your tween’s social life. Look for insights into what might be influencing your tween’s behavior.

• Role model. Keep your behavior in check too. Think about how you talk around your kids and handle conflict and problems.

• Speak up if you see your tween daughter making fun of someone, even if she is “just joking.”

When To Consult With Schools Or Specialist?

If you are continually working on building friendship skills with your tween and the bullying does not stop, seek a mental health evaluation. Your tween might need a therapist’s help to work through the underlying issues.

The post Is My Tween Girl The Mean Girl? appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

You may find that some of the strategies that worked previously with your small children might not work when it comes to disciplining tweens. You’ve no doubt come here looking for some positive guidance on how to approach things now your child is maturing.

The behaviors that require attention and discipline are likely to have made a shift as well, as your tween starts to look at pushing boundaries and challenging things in their own lives.

Parenting adolescents is not easy, as we’re sure you’re quickly becoming aware. However, it doesn’t have to be difficult. After all, a few positive changes to how you react can help you and your tween to thrive. So here are some of the positive ways to discipline tweens.

Typical changes you’ll see in your tween

There will be some obvious and some minor changes to your tween’s behavior.

You might start to notice back-talk or a change of attitude. Perhaps they are challenging you in some way, such as with routine, boundaries you have set in place, or the things they can do.

Here we’ll point out some of the typical changes that you have started to notice with your tween.

Emotional and behavioral changes

It is obvious, as much as we might fight against it, that your child is going to change as they approach their adolescent years. Emotionally, you may find that they find it hard to control big feelings.

Perhaps getting angry over what seems to be small things such as a bad test grade, an argument with a friend, or even a small request like cleaning their bedroom may set them off. You might get yelling, sulking, shouting, and even slamming doors.

In other instances, you may start to notice attitude, such as reminding them to pick their laundry up off the floor and getting a response of “I know”. It is very common for tweens to be argumentative and challenge you like never before.

Behavior-wise, they may start to curse more, act older than they are, in a bid to fit in or to be part of the gang.

Pushing boundaries

They will also push boundaries emotionally and physically. For example, a curfew and turning up later, or not responding to messages or phone calls. This is all in a bid to see how far they can go.

They will also try and push you on punishment and defy you in any way that they can. This is why it is important to find positive techniques that help you to respond.

5 techniques to respond to tween behavior in a positive way

Knowing what to expect is one thing, but it is all about your key response. You will want to react to the tween behavior in a positive way. So here are some discipline strategies that you could try.

Take away privileges

One of the first things that you can do is to take away privileges if you disagree with the pre-teen behavior you have witnessed. When they misbehave take away something meaningful to them. Electronics they use, an outing with a friend, etc.

Taking something like that away shows consequence to actions, and that it is indeed a privilege to be allow them in the first place.

Have a behavior contract

A behavior contract is a great way to be on the same page as your tween. It outlines what behavior you expect from your child to keep certain privileges or be able to do specific things.

They need to show responsibility, listening techniques, and take care of themselves and their things such as tidying their bedroom.

Doing these things enables them to keep their electronics or have other privileges they may already take for granted.

Rewards

A positive way to reaffirm behavior is to reward it when something has happened in a positive way. If they have maintained a tidy room, reward them for that. If they have shown responsibility or have reacted to a situation calmly and positively, reward them for that.

The more reward they get, the more likely they will continue with good behavior.

Embrace problem-solving

Sometimes behavioral problems need to be looked at more closely. Often, it is an issue or stumbling block that is causing the attitude, back-talk, or anger. So spend time encouraging problem-solving. Enabling your tween to see what has gone wrong and where and how they can fix it. Be on hand to provide help if needed.

Let them learn their own lesson

Last of all, it is often a good idea to let them learn their own lesson. Within reason, of course.

If they can see the consequences firsthand of their actions then they are more likely to learn from it. We sometimes have to step back and let mistakes happen, no matter how hard that is.

Some Things for You, The Parent, to be Mindful of

While it is always good to be aware of some of the techniques that could help you to respond to your tween’s behavior in a positive way, you might also want to be mindful of a few things that you might do yourself.

Here are some of the things to look out for:

• Parent the child you have, not the child you thought you would have. If we are honest we all have an idea of what our children might turn out to be, but so often this isn’t the case. So let go of any preconceived ideas and focus on the here and now.
• Avoid labeling your child. It is easy to label a child naughty, or having an attitude problem, but even as a tween there could be legitimate reasons for this behavior. Try and look at the why rather than the what.

Ways to improve communication with your tween

Sometimes it isn’t just about the punishment, you might also want to look at ways to improve communication with your tween. After all, there may be an underlying issue at the heart of your tween behavior. Here are a couple of things that you might want to try.

Lead by example

It can sometimes be so easy to react when your tween is yelling at you or slamming doors, but reacting, in the same way, will not serve you well. Lead by example and continue to discuss the situation in a calm and positive way.

Listen

Sometimes the pre-teen behavior you are witnessing has stemmed from something else. Perhaps a citation they face at school or a friendship that has gone wrong. Always be on hand to listen, and avoid reacting in a demeaning way.

Resist the temptation of threats

Of course, there always needs to be some form of consequence to bad behavior but threats never end well, unless you intend to follow through with them. Your tween should be aware of what the consequences are as it helps everyone to be on the same page.

Hopefully, these tips and suggestions will help you to implement positive ways to discipline your tweens.

Pop over here if you’d like more articles and advice for parenting during the tween years

The post Positive Ways To Discipline Your Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.