Tweens

Should Victoria's Secret be targeting tweens?

Sherri Kuhn — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:00:00 -0700

Remember when date night might have meant a stop at Victoria’s Secret for something sexy? That seems to be changing, when half the shoppers in your local store are under the age of 18. Tweens are after everything from bras and panties to loungewear — and the company seems to be marketing directly to them. How do you feel about your tween going crazy for Pink?

How much green should you give your tween?

Lisa Steinke — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0700

Lately, you’re starting to feel more like your tween’s ATM than her M-O-M. So how much money should you be giving her? Or should she get a J-O-B?

Early puberty: What to look for

Monica Beyer — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:00:00 -0800

Kids can start going through puberty as early as age 8, but some kids start the process much sooner. There are signs you can look for to determine if your child is starting down that road, and questions to get answered if she is.

But all my friends are doing it!

Lisa Steinke — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:00:00 -0800

So, here you are again. Your tween is asking to do something with her friends that makes you hesitate. On the one hand, you want to let her have freedom, but on the other, you struggle with just how much. And you certainly don't want to let her do something just because she says every single one of her friends is doing it. So how do you say no without sounding — and feeling — like the bad guy?

Valentine's Day: Should you intervene with your tween?

Lisa Steinke — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:59:00 -0800

Should your tween be allowed to have a valentine? To "hang out" with him that night? Or is this all too much too soon? Should you intervene, or is this just one day out of the year when you should keep your mouth shut and let her have some fun?

Shh... should mom keep a secret?

Lisa Steinke — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:00:00 -0800

Your child comes home from school and has something to tell you, but asks you to promise not to breathe a word. Once you’ve agreed, she reveals she’s being bullied at school and if you tell, it’s only going to get worse. Now what do you do?

Tween going on 20: From coffee to coifing

Lisa Steinke — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 -0800

Just yesterday it was pigtails and slushees. Now it’s hair extensions and double espressos? Why does your tween think she’s 20 and what the heck can you do about it?

From puberty to parties: A step-by-step guide to your tween's firsts

Lisa Steinke — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:00:00 -0800

You thought parenting a toddler through all her firsts was exhausting, but now you’ve got a tween on your hands. It may not be potty training, but it’s puberty and parties and everything in between — and you find yourself longing for the days of diaper duty.

From awesome to awkward overnight

Lisa Steinke — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:00:00 -0800

You get it, really, you do. You felt the same way about your mom. So why does your tween’s sudden change of attitude hurt so much?

Fashionable holiday gift ideas for tweens

Kori Ellis — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 01:45:00 -0800

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to shop for tweens. They aren't little kids anymore, but they aren't quite teenagers yet. Tweens are generally starting to get into fashion, so consider a stylish gift this holiday season.

Holiday gifts for the hard-to-buy-for tween

Colleen Kratofil — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 01:47:00 -0800

The tween years are a tricky time. When kids have outgrown the need for toys but clothes are still a boring gift, where do you turn? Don’t resort to gift cards just yet! You can still find useful gifts that are fun and practical.

Holiday gifts for tweens

Kori Ellis — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:00:00 -0800

They aren't quite teenagers yet, but they aren't little kids anymore either. It can be difficult to shop for tweens sometimes. Look for holiday gifts that inspire their creativity and curiosity, while still allowing them to let loose and have fun.

4 Halloween costumes to avoid this year

Maria Mora — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:00:00 -0700

How sexy is too sexy when it comes to teen’s Halloween costumes? We looked at the worst of the worst super risque options and came up with four costumes you’ll want to tone down or shelf until she’s eighteen.

Popular virtual worlds for tweens and teens

Kori Ellis — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:00:00 -0700

Virtual worlds allow players to immerse themselves in a fantasy world where they can design their own avatar, conquer enemies, complete quests, purchase merchandise and socialize with friends. Learn more about the most popular virtual worlds for tweens and teens.

Fun Halloween ideas for your tween

Sherri Kuhn — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:00:00 -0700

Let’s face it — most kids get a bit too old for trick-or-treating by the time they hit middle school. Halloween is a fun holiday for all ages to celebrate, but sometimes tweens get lost in the shuffle between the cute little costumed kids and the adult parties. We found a few ways to keep the tricks and treats in your tween’s Halloween.

Mean girls, tween girls: What parents can do

Lisa Steinke — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:00:00 -0700

It starts young. Your child comes home crying because Susie ditched her to play with Annie at recess. She told her that what she wanted to play was "stupid." The next day, they are back to being BFFs but you cringe knowing that it won't be long before Susie strikes again. Before you know it, your daughter is a tween and the "mean" is just getting worse.

Best Halloween costumes for tweens and teens

Kori Ellis — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:00:00 -0700

Movies and video games definitely inspire the best Halloween costumes for tweens and teens.

Give your middle-schooler more freedom

Sherri Kuhn — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:00:00 -0700

Middle school is a big jump for kids. Whether they start in 6th grade or 7th, the scene in middle school is completely different than in elementary school. Many parents struggle with letting go just a bit more now that their kids are older. What can you let go of, and what do you absolutely say no to? We asked some middle school moms for their take.

Tweens guide to wearing colored jeans

Whitney Coy — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 01:05:00 -0700

The colored jeans trend is bigger than ever this year, and that goes for all ages. If your tween daughter is anxious to get in on this look, she can, but the rules are a little different for young ladies than for adults.

Elementary school to middle school: What moms need to know

Lisa Steinke — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:00:00 -0700

There's a big difference between elementary school and middle school. In fact, many moms will tell you that middle school was harder than high school. So what should you tell your child to be prepared for? What are the biggest differences? Read on for the information you should arm your son or daughter with as they get ready to make the big leap to the bigger school.

Parenting Guru: How available are you?

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:00:00 -0700

What’s the radical way to parent your tween or teen? Being unconditionally loving and accepting, says Dr. John Duffy, author of The Available Parent: Radical Optimism for Raising Teens and Tweens. That means no lectures, criticizing or getting emotional. Can you do it? Dr. Duffy follows his own advice in raising his 16-year-old son, whom he describes as admirable. It’s all about building a relationship out of optimism rather than fear, he says. Learn more about his approach to raising teens and tweens below.