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The Powerful Truth about Understanding Your Tween Daughter

By: Mariacomment

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Understanding your tween daughter might seem like an impossible task, like cleaning up glitter. However, I am finding that simply attempting this endeavor can have momentous effects.

Understanding your tween daughter is difficult but worth the effort!

We took some time to get crepes togther on a recent trip to Velas Vallerto in Puerto Vallerta.

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
If you are like me, understanding your tween daughter (or son) is difficult. It feels bewildering, like life is changing so quickly your head is spinning. The Center for Parent and Teen Communication recently challenged me to think about what has changed in my daughter, and what has stayed the same. In doing so, I realized the key to comprehend my daughter and perhaps it can help you too. I learned that understanding your tween daughter is as easy as remembering her as she was as a toddler.

Understanding Your Tween Daughter Then and Now

Understanding your tween daughter is difficult but worth the effort!

THEN

You used to be so small. You would grasp my finger with your whole hand and toddle next to me. You never ventured very far away from me. And when you did let go of my finger to explore something new, you constantly checked to make sure I stayed close. You squinted your eyes shut so tightly when you smiled up at me and my heart would swell ten sizes. You were sweet and determined, curious and talkative, funny and fun to be with. You were tentative though and a bit clingy. I wondered if there would be a time when you wouldn’t cry when I walked out the door. When I returned, and you launched your tiny, warm body into my arms, I melted. I remember staring at you thinking how absolutely amazing it is that you call me “mama”.

NOW

Understanding your tween daughter is difficult but it is so worth it in the end.

At 5’7”, we almost see eye to eye. You hop out of our minivan now and never look back. You are absorbed into getting into school or meeting friends or checking off the next thing on your to do list. You run like a gazelle now and you haven’t held my hand for years. You’re smart and friendly and people genuinely like you. You’re a joiner…joining every club, sport and organization that comes your way. Now, you have a whole life you are self-directing. I don’t pull the strings anymore. But I still see that baby girl in you. I see it when your brothers tell a joke unexpectedly and you let your guard down to really laugh. I see it in your determination. I can see ‘Baby Nina-Rose’ when I tiptoe into your room late at night. Your face softens as you sleep, and my petite, sweet, caramel-colored little girl is right there again. And my heart swells 10 sizes thinking how proud I am that you call me “mom”.

It seems to me that the key to understanding your tween daughter is all about communication. I am at the beginning of this journey though, so I look to the experts for help. The Center for Parent and Teen Communication is a new, valuable resource for every parent navigating the tween and teen years. Learn more about this organization and how it can help you find your way through this season with the director of The Center for Parent and Teen Communication, Dr. Ginsburg. Check out more info in this video here.

Understanding your tween daughter or son may seem impossible but it is worth the effort, as I am learning daily. #ThenAndNowKids #sponsored #tween #smithfamtravels #CPTC

How do you work on understanding your tween daughter or son?

What do you remember from when your kids were little? Share the good, bad and the dirty! Maybe I’m just being nostalgic, but I want to hear them!

About Maria

Maria is a wife and mom of 4 kids ages 13 to 18. She is a freelance writer, adores sports, travels as much as she can, and can make a pretty mean lasagna. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

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