Is your child on the brink of becoming a tween? If you’re unsure, take a moment to review this checklist to find out! If you answer “yes” to fewer than eight of these statements, there’s no need to worry—your child is still in the little-kid phase. However, if you’d like to stay ahead of the curve, here’s a glimpse of what’s coming.
You may have a tween if…
- Your child insists on ordering from the regular menu, deeming kids’ meals too juvenile, yet still craves the same chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese—just in a more upscale version. And of course, dessert must include a cookie or ice cream.
- Characters like Max, Lily, and Noah become their closest companions, prompting hours of checking in with their “friends.”
- The Tooth Fairy is a distant memory, replaced by frequent orthodontist appointments that cost significantly more than any tooth-related payout.
- Animated films are now considered childish, especially the ones you were eager to watch together.
- Your child stops referring to broccoli as “trees” or calling raisins on celery “ants on a log,” and they refuse to eat either.
- Toys have become increasingly pricey. You thought those large Lego sets were costly? Just wait until you look into family data plans.
- “Mommy” is now simply “Mom.”
- Your expertise has diminished; you once seemed to hold all the answers, but now your suggestions are met with defiance. You might try to outsmart them by saying the opposite of what you want, but tweens are clever. Save those strategies for when you tackle their algebra homework.
- They shop in stores where prices exceed what you’ve spent on yourself all year.
- Their bedroom door stays closed most of the day, opening only when they need food or their phone charger. On the upside, you can avoid seeing the laundry piled in the corner when the door is shut.
- Their typical response to your comments is an eye roll, often coupled with a dismissive “whatever.” Just ignore it and retreat to the living room for some relaxation. Reassure yourself with this mantra: “This is just a phase.”
- They outgrow shoes so rapidly that your budget struggles to keep up.
- The reliable “It’s bedtime, let’s see how quickly you can get upstairs!” is met with a blank stare. Timing them for getting into pajamas or feeding the dog is no longer effective.
- Perhaps the hardest realization: they no longer want to hold your hand. This can be an emotional moment, but the silver lining is that hugs are still allowed (as long as they’re not in public).
How did you fare? If you answered “yes” to more than half of these signs, congratulations! Take a moment to relax with a cup of tea and enjoy a binge-watch session of your favorite shows.
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Summary
This article outlines 14 signs that indicate your child is entering the tween phase, from changing eating habits to evolving social dynamics. Understanding these changes can help parents prepare for the transition.