This summer will forever be etched in my memory as the season I officially welcomed my tween boy. One moment, my child was nestled among a sea of stuffed animals—probably eight gazillion of them—and the next, he was sprawled out on his bed, earbuds in, transfixed by a YouTube Minecraft video, with not a single stuffed companion in sight. (Don’t fret, his beloved Teddy is still around; he’s just taking a break from the limelight.) The transition happened overnight, and I’ve had more than a few moments of panic realizing that we might be speeding toward full-blown teenage territory. The train is barreling down the tracks, and I can hear its whistle—complete with an attitude.
Despite the occasional freak-out, I’m trying to embrace the perks of my son’s new status as a tween. After all, it’s not all bad! With my younger kids—a mischievous 5-year-old and a toddler who’s developing some strong opinions—my oldest son’s tween quirks stand out even more. Here are some genuinely awesome things about having a tween boy:
- Shared Understanding of Privacy: We’ve finally reached a mutual understanding about personal space. Sure, I still lack any real privacy (I can’t even pee alone), but my tween is on my side! He finds it utterly horrifying to see me in the buff, and he keeps his distance just in case. If he accidentally catches a glimpse, he covers his eyes and squeals. Thanks for that, buddy. Hallelujah!
- Sleep Logic: Finally, sleep makes sense! Unlike younger children who resist bedtime but spring up at dawn, my tween sleeps in and stays up late reading. This is a welcome change and feels much more logical to me.
- Independence: He’s out of diapers, can wash his own hair (most days), fix himself a snack, and even make his own meals. He’s mastered the art of finding and putting on his clothes, and he can swim! It’s like a miracle—angels are singing somewhere. If only he could coordinate his outfits better, we’d be golden.
- Quieter Moments: Yes, he still whines and sulks, but overall, he’s quieter than his younger brothers. Why? Because he usually has a pair of earbuds in, blissfully tuned out. It’s a trade-off I’m willing to make.
- Sense of Humor: His sense of humor has blossomed! He actually makes me laugh—intentionally! Just the other day, as his younger brothers headed for the kiddie pool “because it’s warm,” he shot me a sly grin and said, “Wonder if they know why it’s warm?” I appreciate his perspective more than I can express.
- Strong and Capable: He’s reliable when it comes to carrying things. Whether it’s hauling baby gear from the car or juggling take-out bags, I can count on him. It’s like I’ve gained an extra pair of hands—if those hands could complain about being my “servant.” Spoiler alert: They can.
- Musical Taste: In the great soundtrack battle of our minivan, he sides with me! I love that he endorses my music choices, like Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5, over the endless replay of kids’ movies.
- Potty Skills: Enough said!
- Sweet Sentiments: Every now and then, he surprises me with the sweetest remarks, making them all the more precious due to their rarity. When I dropped him off at camp, he hugged me and whispered, “I’m going to miss you,” then sweetly advised his baby sister: “Don’t grow up too fast.” I nearly melted into a puddle.
- Adventurous Palate: He’s showing a newfound appreciation for “adult” food, ordering salads and actually eating them! While he still has his share of food quirks, he’s surprisingly open to trying new dishes. I’m hopeful he won’t be taking dates to McDonald’s in the future.
I find myself in a delightful space with my son—he’s moved beyond the unreasonable stages of childhood but isn’t quite an adolescent yet. He’s just mature enough to be an enjoyable companion while still being my little boy. Although I’m bracing myself for the teenage attitude that’s sure to come, I’m fully committed to savoring this moment. When he was a baby, I could never have imagined the incredible person he is becoming. This is a lovely place to be, even if it’s fleeting.
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Summary
The joys of raising a tween boy can be numerous, from shared humor and newfound independence to a developing sense of maturity that makes parenting more rewarding. Embracing the sweet moments between childhood and adolescence is crucial, as these experiences shape your relationship and pave the way for future connections.