Tweens include children between the ages of 8-12. It is the period of being between a young child and a teenager, also referred to as pre-teen age. This is commonly a difficult period for parents and children.

Even as challenging as it is for you as a parent to know how to deal with your child during this awkward stage, imagine how difficult it is for them. Remember what it was like for you? Multiply that times ten. Times have changed enormously since we were children and our children have a lot more to deal with.

If you are the parent of a tween and have found your child to be growing more and more difficult to deal with, perhaps some of these tips will help you.

Tween Tip #1: Keep the lines of communication open. It’s hard to be willing to keep an open mind sometimes. But it is extremely important that you keep the lines of communication open between you and your tween. Don’t expect them to know what you mean, unless you clearly state your thoughts. Likewise, don’t assume to know anything unless your tween expresses it. Make yourself available to your tween at all times so he will feel comfortable in coming to talk to you about important issues they are dealing with.

Tween Tip #2: Be willing to listen. Listening is an important aspect of communication. Don’t talk down to your tween. Never assume anything. Remember the rule: Keep an open ear and a closed mouth. Sometimes it’s best for both of you if you will let your tween speak their mind. Then follow up with an open dialogue.

Tween Tip #3: Be open to your tween’s ideas and thoughts. Your tween is experiencing quite a rainbow of emotions during this developmental period. They are learning more and more about themselves every day. It is therefore imperative that you are open to your tween’s developing thoughts and ideas, no matter how far out there they are. They need to know that you believe in them, no matter what.

Tween Tip #4: Spend quality time with your tween. The truth is, your tween isn’t a baby anymore, yet she isn’t a teenager yet either. She is discovering herself in many ways and probably feels confused at times. Spending special time together will help your tween develop a strong bond with you, as well as help her to feel more comfortable about who she is becoming.

Tween Tip #5: Prepare for the hormones. It’s the dreaded thing that every parent knows is coming. Yet it seems to catch us off-guard when it happens. Your tween’s body is changing and developing. And with those changes come the hormonal outbursts. Be patient and talk to your child about how they feel. Teach them ways to help them control their emotions.