Being a 12-year-old is hard :guide line for per-teen parent

Being a 12-year-old is hard 

Being a 12-year-old is hard 
  
Parenting a 12-year-old is hard, but this stage is hard for the kids, too. They move through social, physical, cognitive, and emotional development. They are starting to define their individuality, test boundaries, and try out new personalities. [1]

There are mood swings, confusion, anxiety over puberty, irritability, increased pressures at school and within peer groups, as well as increased logic and reasoning skills.


For the parents of tweens, it can be difficult and confusing to handle both their need for independence and their kid-like behavior. Parents may find their once cuddly children suddenly want little or nothing to do with them. [2]

If you’re a parent, this article will give you an insight into what’s it like to be a 12-year-old.



Physical Changes
At this stage, the physical changes associated with puberty are evident: pimples, changing voices, boobs, greasy hair, and periods. [3]

A percentage of late tweens may develop body odor, an increase in sweat rate, and an increase in skin oils which may be associated with early acne.

Coming to terms with the differences in their bodies may be really hard for some tweens.

Emotional, Social, and Mental Development
At 12, preteens don’t want to be “pre” anything anymore. They see themselves as teens and constantly seek peer approval for their sense of identity.


Their emotions are all over the place. They blow hot and cold. There are moments of happiness and bumps of sadness. They love their parents this minute and hate them the next. [4]

Their appearance is of utmost importance. All they want is to blend in the crowd and look like their peers. Their focus will shift from their parents to their friends. In an attempt to fit in, look cool, and sound grown-up, they may pick up bad habits like swearing.

Abstract thinking and logic become easier. Due to their increased reasoning and problem-solving skills, they may think they are able to do everything on their own. 

Friendship
At this stage, tweens struggle with the feeling of not being understood and this may affect their relationships with friends. Small problems become bigger. A trivial issue may lead to a big misunderstanding. Friendship is really tough for them. 

Parenting Tips
Keep Communication Channels Open

As a tween, your child might start experiencing situations they’re not ready for or don’t know how to deal with, so create an environment that allows them to communicate whenever they need to.

Although 12-year-olds are keen on establishing their independence, they still need to know their parents are always available for support. Spend time together to ask how their day went. This could be at bedtime or dinnertime. [5]

Whenever your teen confides in you, try not to be judgemental as it may dissuade them from talking to you again; instead listen and love.



Talk to Your Kids About Sex

Sexual awareness is a big aspect of this age. Hormonal changes and external factors such as the Internet, peers, and the media only exasperate its importance. It is crucial you build a strong foundation by giving them developmentally appropriate information on sexuality.

Otherwise, your kid will search for the information elsewhere and there’s no telling what they may find. [6]

Be Interested in What They are Interested In

Being interested in what your kid is interested in is an important way to connect and discuss subjects that you would otherwise not talk about.

Watch the stuff that your child wants to watch. When they talk about little things like video games, listen to them because that’s what they care about. Even if you aren’t really interested, ask them questions about it. Soon there will be big things to talk about, and they will know you’ll be there to listen.