A few weeks ago, on a dreary Sunday afternoon, my house was blissfully silent for nearly three hours. My children, aged 10, 11, and 13, prepared their own snacks, tidied up afterward, and settled in to watch Toy Story. I quietly tiptoed to the kitchen, worried that any sudden movement might disrupt their trance. Then it hit me: I no longer need to tiptoe around! They’ve reached an age where making eye contact or simply stepping into another room doesn’t pull them out of their focused activities. I’m currently reveling in this perfect blend of childhood and independence. Here are 10 reasons why this stage is the best yet:
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Snuggle Time is Still a Thing
Whether it’s early morning or the middle of the night, they still crawl into bed for a cuddle. The best part? They fall asleep in no time, and if they don’t, they can return to their own beds on their own. -
No More Believing in Fairy Tales
Gone are the days of worrying about the Tooth Fairy’s forgetfulness. They know the truth, so if I forget some cash under their pillow, a quick apology suffices. Plus, I can finally relax about moving the elf around each night—my kids now take that responsibility! -
Dining Out is a Pleasure
Heading to a restaurant means enjoying a meal together. They’re always hungry, so leftovers are a thing of the past, and I can finally say goodbye to those extra pounds from their half-eaten meals. -
Movie Nights are Enjoyable
We can actually watch movies together without constant bathroom breaks. If I need to go, I can just get up and leave them behind without worrying about dragging them along. -
Quick Trips to the Store
Running errands is a breeze now. They can hop out of the car by themselves, and I can leave them at home if I’m feeling adventurous. Plus, they can help with the shopping bags! -
Quality Family Time on Weekends
Their social lives haven’t completely taken over yet. They still spend weekends at home, allowing for meaningful conversations about everything from current events to their favorite toys. -
I Still Hold the Knowledge Advantage
When they attempt to sneak extra video game time or raid my hidden stash of treats, I can easily catch them. They haven’t quite mastered the art of deception yet! -
They Still Want to Be Around Me
While they might roll their eyes sometimes, they still enjoy my company and crave one-on-one time. They even laugh at my jokes, at least for now! -
Open Communication
At this age, they still share their day with me without feeling like I’m trying to solve a puzzle. I can read their moods and get them to open up—especially with a little bribe! -
Expressive Emotions
They articulate their feelings more clearly now. While there are still moments of tears, tantrums are few and far between. Grocery runs are less chaotic since they can reason with me about treats!
I know this time won’t last forever, so I’m savoring every moment while I can. Soon enough, my kids will be out on Friday nights, and I’ll miss these days of shared family time. For now, I’m embracing this unique blend of childhood and independence.
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Summary
The tween years are a delightful mix of childhood wonder and growing independence, allowing for meaningful connections, enjoyable outings, and mature conversations, all while maintaining the joy of snuggling and sharing laughs.