Parenting a tween is filled with emotional ups and downs, echoing the challenges experienced during the toddler years. For a parent of three daughters, the oldest at 11, the emotional whiplash is notable. Periods of irritability can suddenly switch to moments of intimacy and closeness. This dynamic mirrors the dependency and independence seen in toddlers, with children seeking comfort through physical closeness. Experts affirm that these emotional fluctuations are typical for tweens and have scientific backing.
The emotional whiplash of parenting a tween is intense, and honestly? It kind of feels like the toddler years all over again.
One day, she's upstairs, a little snarky and pretty intolerant of her younger sisters, seemingly annoyed at everyone around her.
Then, they run to you and can't help but throw their whole body on you, for even a brief second, to regulate whatever it is they're feeling.
Reesa Morala, a licensed family therapist, says not only is all of this with tweens extremely normal, but there's also a scientific explanation.
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