This past summer became unforgettable as I transitioned into life with a tween boy. One moment, my son, Alex, was cuddled up with countless stuffed animals, and the next, he was sprawled out on his bed, earbuds in place, engrossed in a YouTube video about Minecraft. (Don’t worry, his beloved plush friend is still around, just hidden from view.) The change occurred almost overnight. While Alex has always had a knack for dramatic eye rolls and cheeky remarks, his antics have certainly escalated since he turned 11. It’s given me pause, as I sense we might be on the brink of full-blown teenage territory. The train is approaching, and I can hear its whistle — complete with attitude.
With this new chapter, I’m trying to focus on the positives of having a tween. Compared to my younger kids — a mischievous 6-year-old and a toddler bursting with opinions — Alex’s traits, both good and bad, are magnified. Here are some of the surprisingly delightful aspects of having a tween boy:
- Privacy, Please: At last, Alex understands my need for a little personal space. Admittedly, I still don’t have the luxury of using the bathroom alone, but he now agrees that seeing me naked is quite horrifying. If he suspects a wardrobe malfunction might occur, he keeps his distance. And if he accidentally sees me, he quickly covers his eyes and yelps. Thank you, and yet… hallelujah!
- Sleep Logic: Gone are the days of battling bedtime with small children. My tween sees the light — he enjoys sleeping in and often stays up late reading. This makes perfect sense to me, and it’s a refreshing change.
- Self-Sufficient: Diapers are a thing of the past! Alex can wash his own hair (most of the time), whip up a meal, and even operate the microwave. He brushes his own teeth and can find his clothes. Somewhere, angels are singing! If only he could master the art of outfit coordination, we’d be set.
- Quieter Moments: Sure, he still whines and sulks, but overall, he’s much quieter than his younger siblings, primarily because he’s usually plugged into his earbuds. That’s a fair trade-off.
- Witty Humor: Alex has developed a keen sense of humor that genuinely makes me laugh. He’s quick with his wit and gets irony. Just the other day, he smirked at his brothers heading for the kiddie pool and said, “Wonder if they know why it’s warm?” His perspective is refreshing.
- Capable Helper: I can now trust Alex to help carry things. Whether it’s hauling in groceries or lugging a suitcase through the airport, it feels like I’ve gained extra hands—if only they could talk and whine about being my servant. (Yes, yes, you are. Here’s another bag, my little helper.)
- Shared Taste in Music: In the ongoing battle of DVDs vs. CDs during car rides, he’s on my side. Thank goodness for Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5 over yet another screening of Wreck-It Ralph!
- Potty Proficiency: ‘Nuff said.
- Rare Sweet Moments: Occasionally, Alex surprises me with heartfelt sentiments that are even more precious because they’re rare. When I dropped him off at camp, he hugged me tightly, whispered, “I’m going to miss you,” and sweetly advised his baby sister, “Don’t grow up too fast.” I nearly melted right there.
- Palate of an Adult: He’s surprisingly adventurous with food. He orders salads at dinner and actually eats them! While he still has his quirks about certain foods, he’s open to trying new things, giving me hope that he won’t always opt for fast food dates in the future.
As I navigate this middle ground with Alex, I realize it’s a special moment in time. He’s old enough to be an enjoyable companion and still young enough to be my child. While I’m bracing for the eye rolls and stubbornness that will surely come, I’m committed to savoring this fleeting phase. I could never have imagined the person he’s become, and it’s a delightful place to be, albeit temporary.
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Summary:
Parenting a tween boy brings a mix of challenges and joys. As they grow, the relationship evolves, offering moments of humor, newfound independence, and surprising sweetness. Embrace this unique stage of their development while it lasts!
Keyphrase: joys of raising a tween boy
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