Is your child inching closer to the tween phase? If you’re unsure, take a moment to go through this checklist! If you find yourself agreeing with fewer than eight of these statements, take a deep breath—you’re still enjoying the little-kid years. But if you’re ready to get a sneak peek into the tween world, let’s dive in!
You may have a tween if…
- Your child insists on ordering from the regular menu because the kids’ options are “too babyish.” Yet, they still want the same chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese—just in a fancier form. And yes, dessert still has to include cookies or ice cream.
- Characters like Jessie, Drake, Josh, and Victoria become their new best friends, consuming hours of their attention.
- The Tooth Fairy has retired, making way for more frequent trips to the orthodontist, which will certainly cost more than the Tooth Fairy ever gave.
- Animated films are now deemed “for babies,” especially the ones you had your heart set on watching together.
- Your child no longer calls broccoli “trees” or refers to raisins on celery as “ants on a log,” and they’ve stopped eating both.
- Toys are getting pricier. You thought those large Lego sets broke the bank? Just wait until you start shopping for a family data plan.
- “Mommy” has been downgraded to simply “Mom.”
- Suddenly, you’re an expert in absolutely nothing. You used to be the keeper of all knowledge, but now your kid does the opposite of your suggestions. Trying to outsmart them by saying the opposite of what you want? Good luck with that; save your brainpower for when they need help with algebra.
- They’re shopping in stores where the prices exceed what you’ve spent on yourself in an entire year.
- Their bedroom door is mostly closed, swinging open only for food, charging devices, or when you’re not around. On the bright side, if it’s shut, you can avoid seeing the mountain of laundry they’ve created.
- The typical response to your comments is an eye roll or a dismissive “whatever.” Just ignore it and retreat to the living room for your favorite show. Remind yourself, “This is just a phase,” a mantra worth repeating.
- They seem to outgrow sneakers faster than you can save up to buy them.
- The classic “It’s bedtime; I’ll time you!” now earns you nothing but a blank stare. Good luck timing them to get into pajamas or clean up; those days are over.
- The hardest sign: they no longer want to hold your hand. This is a bittersweet moment, and it may bring tears to your eyes. But take heart—hugs are still acceptable (as long as they’re not in public).
So, how did you do? If you’ve checked yes to more than half of these, congratulations! Pour yourself a cup of tea and cozy up for a marathon of Austin & Ally (and yes, those two are destined to be together).
For more on parenting and what to expect as your child grows, check out our other articles, including one about the at-home insemination kit and insights into your couple’s fertility journey. If you’re looking for comprehensive information on pregnancy, Healthline provides excellent resources to guide you through your journey.
In summary, navigating the tween years can be challenging but also rewarding. Understanding these signs can help you prepare for this transitional phase in your child’s life.
Keyphrase: tween parenting signs
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