Talking to Tweens About Dating? The age group of 8 to 12 years also known as ‘tween’ is a delicate period for all children and the parents. This is the time when children are introduced to the concept of dating and sex. Nowadays, when children ask permission about dating, parents have a habit of giving a straight ‘YES’. The parents need to understand that they must seek the truth underlying such requests. If you ask 50 tweens the definition of dating, you will get 50 different answers. One needs to ask them what exactly they mean by dating and why they want to go on a date. These initial discussions will ultimately grow into critical discussions as the children grow into fine young adults. The good news is that tweens are also very eager to have a chat with their parents. Believe it or not, kids still value the opinions of their parents and rely on them a great them for advice. So the parents need to come closer to the kids and lay the groundwork for a healthy relationship … [Read more...]

Talking to Tweens About Suicide? I didn't think I would have to do this until TWO of Miss Sarah's schoolmates attempted it last year. One was a result of bullying, the other was depression from family issues. In the modern world, many lives are, unfortunately, touched by suicide. As a parent, you may want to hide the meaning of death from your tween, but in reality, this is not possible in this age of social media. If you are a parent and have heard the news of a much-publicized suicide, then chances are that your child has also heard the news. There is no denying the fact that tweens will have their reactions and feelings. But since they have less experience, compared to adults, in processing distressing news they need to be helped by a responsible and informed parent. You can start a conversation with your tween after a publicized suicide in the media. Having said that, a parent need not wait for any tragic news to start this all-important conversation. However, these sad … [Read more...]

Talking to Tweens about makeup? If your young daughter cannot check herself from observing the makeup aisle at the neighborhood drug store or the superstore then it is probably time to consider how you will talk to your tween daughter about the issue of makeup. Many companies manufacture makeup for girls; choosing a company is probably not a difficult task for you. But there are many things to consider and discuss before you allow your kid daughter to get introduced to the world of cosmetics. Talking to Tweens about Makeup Makeup and Tween Girls Most of the parents do not want their tween daughters to wear any makeup because they are afraid that their daughters will look much older and mature than they actually are and will unnecessarily attract attention that they might not be able to handle later on. Some of the mothers though want their daughters to wait till the time they can understand how to apply makeup properly and also take good care of their skin. The reasons may be many … [Read more...]