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Parent to Parent: How to handle tween attitude

Linda Morgan, editor of ParentMap and author of Beyond Smart explains tween attitude and how parents can deal with it.

If you have a tween, then you are probably all too familiar with tween attitude. Linda Morgan, editor of ParentMap and author of Beyond Smart explains why this behavior happens and how parents can deal with it.

A growth spurt in the brain around ages 11 to 13 affects mood and behaviors. Tweens lack the impulse control and emotional regulation to deal with stress, so often they lash out at parents.

Common tween behavior includes eyerolls, shrugs, talking back, outright meltdowns and of course the mood swings.

Parents should control their own anger when they respond. If a meltdown happens in public, remove the child from the situation and try to understand what's fueling the behavior.

Build a better relationship with your tween:

  • Listen without responding to find out what is the real issue
  • Solve problems by setting household rules with input from your children
  • Cool down so you can respond appropriately
  • Strengthen bonds with your kids by spending quality time with them

To find out more, visit ParentMap.

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