My daughter has always had big emotions. She feels all the feelings. But lately, she’s gotten a little more… let’s say sensitive. We are tiptoeing our way through the tweens.
Her dad, who normally cracks her up more than anyone, has begun irritating her. His “dad jokes” have become a little less charming and have, at times, left her crying. My helpful guidance has been met with a stern gaze or even some tears.
Oh, have I mentioned she’s turning 12 in a few weeks?
Yeah, it’s been really fun. And while I still see that tiny baby of mine with the dimple in her cheek and the curls falling between her eyes, this new beautiful girl has become a little touchy.
So, I present my top tips for staying in the good graces with your tween (while still trying to raise them to be kind, lovely people).
1. Tell them you love their outfit.
Yes, I know it’s wrinkled, and there may even be a stain. But you have three minutes to leave the house, and the spiral to change isn’t worth it. You love their outfit.
2. Stock your house with the food they love.
And make sure it is available at all times. Are spicy, rolled chips an appropriate breakfast for a developing child? Maybe not, but did you know the world could end if that isn’t the breakfast of the day?
3. Don’t try to be funny.
I think I’m pretty funny. My husband is definitely funny. And both of my kids are funny. However, you are now only permitted to be funny between 4 and 6 p.m., and maybe a little extra on weekends and holidays. But not if your tween doesn’t want you to be, not in the morning and not in front of their friends.
Ok, if you’ve made it this far, you should recognize that this is a little sarcastic and a little tongue-in-cheek. But also, some of it is true.
In the spirit of raising a tween, good luck figuring out which parts are true, and enjoy navigating this new phase of parenthood.
The good thing is, just like when you’re raising a toddler, though there will be tantrums and rough days, there are also days that you see a glimpse of your sweet baby in there. And you know, because you’re the grownup here, that this is all a part of them growing up and figuring out who they are and who they want to be (oh, and hormones. LOTS of hormones). And they love you.
Those big emotions also radiate a deep, fierce love for you that they’re trying to navigate while sorting out their independence.
You’ll find yourself with a new version of your little best friend that you need to treat a little more delicately, but you can tell that you’ll come out of this on the other side, so proud of who they’re becoming.
Oh, and just one more piece of advice. Buy the lip gloss from Sephora. I know it’s expensive for lip gloss. I know you can find it cheaper somewhere else. And yes, I know you bought them lip gloss the last time you were there. But just do it. You might get that sweet smile you’ve been looking for.
