Following a discussion about preteen stress, my 11-yr old daughter looked at her 5-year old sister and said, “I feel so bad that she’ll have to learn about grownup stuff some day.  She’s so oblivious and happy now.”  My tween was reflecting on her own recent transition to a broader awareness. When girls enter tweenhood, [...]

Every interaction is an opportunity to enhance or detract from a child’s self-esteem.  Last night I was reminded of this fact during an emergency veterinary visit.  As is often the case, crisis strikes at the most inopportune times.  You know the scene: first day back to school after the final summer weekend, husband away on [...]

A perfect end to a perfect day.  It’s 75 degrees at dusk with few mosquitoes.  My tweens are teaching their 6 year old sister how to rollerskate.  A great self-esteem booster for all of them.  The 6 year old learns a new skill and the tweens get to experience the feeling of competence. Tweens may [...]

Have we gone mad?!  I recently read an article on the increasing number of tweens and teens hiring image consultants.  http://bit.ly/J7iX7 From makeup, to clothing, to overall style, tweens (or more accurately, their parents) are paying a ‘professional’ to tell them how to look.  As I remember it, adolescence was a time of experimentation with personal [...]

Humans need a sense of purpose.  We want to feel that we belong and add value.  Meaningful work gives one a feeling of accomplishment and achievement.  A job well done is satisfying at worst; and more often, it is fulfilling.   Don’t let a tween’s reluctance to complete chores fool you.  Tweens, too, are motivated by [...]