Is your child teetering on the edge of tweenhood? If you’re unsure, take a look at this checklist to find out! If you find yourself agreeing with fewer than eight of these signs, take a deep breath—you’re still in the realm of little-kid fun. However, if you’re ready to get a glimpse into the tween years, this is your opportunity.
So, do you have a tween? Let’s find out!
- Your child prefers to order from the adult menu because the kids’ meals feel too childish, even if they still opt for chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese—just a fancier version, please. And yes, dessert is still a must.
- Characters like Jessie, Drake, Josh, and Victoria become their new best friends, and they spend hours keeping up with their fictional lives.
- The Tooth Fairy has been replaced by frequent appointments at the orthodontist. This new expense far exceeds anything the Tooth Fairy ever left behind, even on her off days.
- Animated films are now deemed “too childish,” especially the ones you were secretly excited to see.
- Your child no longer refers to broccoli as “trees” or thinks of raisins on celery sticks as “ants on a log,” and they won’t touch either anymore.
- The price of toys skyrockets. Remember when those big LEGO sets seemed expensive? Just wait until you start shopping for a family mobile plan.
- “Mommy” morphs into “Mom.”
- Suddenly, you seem to know nothing. Once, you were the fountain of wisdom, but now your suggestions are met with resistance. You might think of trying reverse psychology, but with tweens, it’s best to save your cunning strategies for when you tackle their algebra homework.
- Shopping happens in stores where everything costs more than what you typically spend on yourself for the year.
- Their bedroom door swings open only a few times a day: 1) when you’re out of earshot, 2) when hunger strikes, or 3) when they need a phone charger. The silver lining? If that door is closed, you can avoid the sight of a week’s worth of laundry piled up.
- Their go-to response to anything you say is an eye roll, often coupled with a “whatever.” It’s best to ignore it, retreat to the living room, and tune into your favorite show. Remind yourself: this is merely a phase.
- They seem to outgrow sneakers faster than you can find the funds for new ones.
- The classic phrase, “It’s bedtime; let’s see how fast you can get upstairs!” is met with silence. You also won’t be timing them on how quickly they can change into pajamas, clean their rooms, or feed the dog. I know, it was a fun game.
- And perhaps the toughest sign of all: they no longer hold your hand. It’s a bittersweet moment, and it can tug at your heartstrings. But hey, at least hugs are still allowed—just not in public.
So, how did you score? If you answered yes to more than half of these signs, congratulations! Pour yourself a cup of tea and settle in for a binge-watch of your favorite show; I hear Austin and his partner are meant to be together. For more insights, check out this blog post.
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