By: Jamie Parker
This past summer marked a significant change in my life—I welcomed a tween boy into my world. One moment, my son, Max, was surrounded by a mountain of stuffed animals, and the next, he was sprawled across his bed, immersed in a YouTube video about Minecraft, earbuds firmly in place. It’s astounding how quickly things can change! While my boy has always had a knack for delivering eye rolls and witty comebacks, he’s taken it to a whole new level since hitting 11. I sometimes find myself panicking, realizing that I may be on the brink of the teenage years. The change is like a train barreling down the tracks, and I can hear the whistle—complete with a hint of sass.
Yet, amid the chaos of this new phase, I’m making an effort to focus on the positive side of having a tween boy. Here are ten reasons why they’re truly awesome:
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Shared Understanding of Privacy
We’ve reached a mutual agreement regarding personal space. While I still don’t have complete privacy (I mean, who does?), my tween seems to find it equally horrifying to see me in the buff. If he thinks there’s a chance of encountering me undressed, he’ll either avert his eyes or let out an exaggerated yelp. Thanks, buddy! -
Logical Sleep Patterns
Gone are the days of battling bedtime while kids wake up at dawn. Max now sleeps in, relishing late nights spent reading. This makes so much more sense to me—it’s a welcome change. -
Self-Sufficiency
He’s out of diapers, can wash his own hair (most of the time), and even manages to prepare meals in the microwave. He brushes his teeth and can dress himself. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders! Now, if only he could coordinate outfits a bit better… -
A Quieter Atmosphere
Sure, he still has his moments of whining and sulking, but overall, he’s quieter than before. Most of the time, you’ll find him plugged into his earbuds, which is a nice trade-off. -
Witty Humor
Max has a developed sense of humor that genuinely makes me laugh. He understands irony and delivers quick-witted remarks. Just the other day, he smirked at his younger siblings headed for the kiddie pool and quipped, “I wonder if they know why it’s warm?” His insight is refreshing! -
Strong Helper
He’s capable of lending a hand with heavy items—whether it’s baby gear, luggage, or takeout bags. It’s like having an extra pair of hands, albeit ones that sometimes question their servitude! -
Musical Taste
When it comes to our in-car playlists, Max is on my side. He prefers jamming to Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5 over the endless loop of animated movies. Finally, some common ground! -
Potty Training is a Thing of the Past
Let’s just say he’s got the whole bathroom situation down pat. Enough said. -
Sweet Moments
Every now and then, he surprises me with a tender sentiment that hits home. Recently, as I dropped him off at camp, he hugged me and said, “I’ll miss you.” It melted my heart. -
Adventurous Palate
Max is open to trying new foods and even orders salads with his meals now. While he certainly has his quirks when it comes to food, he’s surprisingly reasonable about expanding his culinary horizons. I’m hopeful he won’t be taking future dates to fast-food joints.
As I navigate this unique stage with Max, I’m cherishing the moments. He’s not the unreasonable toddler he once was, nor is he the rebellious teenager he’s destined to become. He’s in that sweet spot where he’s a delightful companion who still needs me. Acknowledging this fleeting time, I’m grateful for the growth I’ve witnessed. Who could have imagined this evolving relationship from babyhood to now?
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In summary, tween boys bring a unique blend of challenges and joys that make this phase both exciting and rewarding.
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