My 12-year-old son recently expressed a desire to paint his room a deep shade of black. Instead of reacting with a loud “Absolutely not!” I suggested a dark blue as a compromise. Fortunately, that was distinct enough from his previous bright green walls, and he happily agreed.
The little boy I once knew has transformed into a tween, and while it can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here are some reasons why those so-called annoying tween behaviors can actually be quite awesome.
1. Tweens Can Be Messy Because They’re Focused on What Matters to Them
My son, who I might call “hygiene-challenged,” often forgets about personal care. His hair is a perpetual mess, and he seems unconcerned about his body odor. Instead, he immerses himself in video games, comic books, and creating his own animated stories. He’d rather be lost in his imagination than worry about impressing anyone.
2. Tweens Might Cringe at You, But They Still Need Your Love
My son is often embarrassed by my antics—like when I wave to him across the playground or wear a silly hat during pick-up. Yet, when I praise his creativity or tell him how much I love his unique stories, he responds, “You’re the best mom ever!” It’s a reminder that their hearts are still open to us, despite the eye rolls.
3. Tweens Test Limits Because They’re Seeking Independence
He often expresses disdain for school, procrastinates on homework, and questions the relevance of science. Yet, he still manages to pull off decent grades. His witty remarks and unique perspective show he’s carving out his own identity, even if it involves a bit of rebellion.
4. Tweens Can Be Loud Because They’re Discovering Their Voices
My son speaks at full volume, his favorite punk music blasting through the house. He’s found tunes that resonate with him and give him energy, allowing him to express himself in new and exciting ways.
5. Tweens Push Boundaries Because They’re Growing
He frequently questions the rules and proposes his own. He’s even started experimenting with mild swearing—always with the preface of “Excuse my language.” (I’m honestly proud of his honesty.)
6. Tweens Embrace Their Quirks While Figuring Themselves Out
My son loves to draw bizarre doodles on his arms and will sometimes sport face paint inspired by his favorite YouTubers. He doesn’t care what others think; it’s all about him enjoying his own creativity. Who knows what the next trend will be?
7. Tweens Want to Be Seen as Grown-Up, Yet They’re Ready to Nurture
He rolls his eyes at stories of his childhood when he played with action figures. However, he recently sold some of those figures and donated the proceeds to a local animal shelter. It’s heartwarming to see him give back.
8. Tweens Act Like They Want Space, Yet They Crave Family Time
My son often retreats to his room after school, emerging only for snacks. However, he still enjoys watching his favorite shows with me and discussing the latest comic book series with his dad.
Navigating the world of tweens can feel like an adventure filled with unexpected challenges and bewildering moments. My partner and I are always looking for ways to connect without triggering a tween explosion. Yes, they can be stubborn and dramatic, but at their core, they’re just trying to figure out who they are. Do they drive us up the wall sometimes? Absolutely. But their journey to self-discovery is nothing short of amazing.
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Summary
Tweens can be challenging, yet their quirks and rebelliousness often stem from a desire to grow and find their identities. They may seem messy, loud, and independent, but these traits demonstrate their unique journey towards becoming their own individuals. Embrace the chaos—there’s so much to love about this phase of life.