Tweens

Frequently Asked Questions

• What do you expect in the tween years?

  In a word: change. Puberty, starting with the development of sex organs and pubic hair, begins as early asages 10 to 12 for boysandages 8 to 10 for girls.New hormones may come withroller-coaster moods. Their brains are undergoing a period of rapid maturation, too. Your tween may approach problems with more logic and start developing stronger opinions even as they sometimes act impulsively—the part of their brain governing self-control isn't fully formed until later.
  

  Learn More: Defining the Tween Years for Parents
• What things do tweens like?

  Some tweens likesports, others appreciate the arts, but nearly all gravitate toward some form of digital entertainment. A recent survey found that tweens log an average of four-and-a-half hours per day watching videos, playing games, andinteracting on social media.The impulse to be online is tied to their skyrocketingsocial awareness.Tweens craveconnection with friendsmore and more, so it's good to give them plenty of opportunities to socialize, offline or on.

  Learn More: Fun Indoor Activities for Tweens
• What are tweens worried about?

  根据皮尤研究中心的一项调查,61%的tweens and teens feel pressure to get good grades.Meanwhile, 29% worry about their appearance and 28% are concerned aboutfitting in socially. Offering totalk to your tweenabout their worries will give them comfort, even if they don't always come to you with their problems.

  Learn More: How to Stay Connected with Your Tween or Teen
• What should tweens do when bored?

  Beat boredom by signing up your tween for one or moreextracurricular activities, where they can follow budding passions in sports, dance, art, or music. Summer doldrums can be solved by a greatovernight camporenrichment program. But it's important not to overschedule your tween. Havingfree timeto read, doodle, or— yes—even scroll on their phone can be good for their mental health.

  Learn More: How to Help Children Entertain Themselves
• What are the signs of a troubled teen?

  Not every teen will go to a parent with their problems, so it's important to be on the lookout for signs of distress. One in five teens has a mental health challenge, according to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.Some signs that your teen may be troubled include being sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks, drastic swings in mood or behavior,substance abuse, ortalk of self-harm.

  Learn More: Advice for Parents Dealing With a Troubled Teen
• How do you deal with a difficult teen?

  It's normal for teens to push boundaries in a quest for independence, but frequently being disrespectful or displaying disruptive behavior is a different story.Some strategies to help difficult teens include praising what they're doing well,ignoring antagonistic behavior, and enforcing logical andnatural consequences(taking away their phone if they have used it inappropriately, for instance).

  Learn More: Teen Discipline: Strategies and Challenges