Perfect Ideas For Tween Bonding
If you are a parent to a Tweenager (as in, aged 10-12 year old), you know the struggle of their new independence and their longing to be a child once again. Children at this age are in transition: not quite children, not quite teenagers – and it’s not an easy time for them at all. There is something that happens once our children become a tween, and the shift is hard for parents who often feel that they are losing their child – they’re not, it just feels that way because they’re changing.
The cuddly little boy suddenly seems much taller and more defiant with his new longing for independence. The Daddy’s girl who once wouldn’t leave your knee suddenly shuts her door whenever you want to come in and chat. It’s hard to feel wanted when your children reach this age, but it’s so worth it to continue to try to bond with them. So, we’ve got some of the best ideas you could need to keep that bond strong with your tweens as they move into teenage years and beyond.
- Decide Some House Rules
Don’t do this alone – get them involved. The biggest thing you’re going to have to face is allowing your tween to fly the nest a little and test their wings. However, children and teenagers beat against boundaries no matter how much they want them to be there. Sit together and come up with house rules. Come up with consequences – let them help to decide what those should be. You give them a voice, earn their respect and you have a mutual understanding of expectations.
- Take Away The Screen
For one hour a day, have time together just the two of you without screens involved. Teach them a new skill like baking or fishing. You could even teach them the best games and the history of them, like the history of chess at worldchesslinks.net. You want to impart some wisdom and that means taking technology away just once a day for an hour. This time is precious for both of you, and they need you as much as you need them.
- Teach Them To Fly
You can get closer to your children by teaching them how to be without you. Teach them to wash their clothes, to cook their meals, which shirts need the dry cleaners and how to use an iron. Leave notes around the house if you must, but you can teach your children to become more responsible for their own things and watch how they blossom. Teach them to get their chores right, and they’ll be flying.
- Get Invested In Games
Sometimes, simple things can help you to bond with your tween. A game of pool or darts can make all the difference, and you can have some amazing Football tournaments, if you have the right table! Add chips and dips and it’s perfect.
- Be There
Lastly, all you need to be is available. When they need to talk, put down what you’re doing and talk to them. Hear them, don’t just give them orders. If they talk to you, ask if they want advice, an ear to hear them or someone to tell them what to do. They’ll appreciate your care.
