The Tween Years: Interacting with Young Adolescents

By Learning Leaders Staff

As young adolescents move on from elementary school, they are concerned about peer relationships and social acceptance. They have a desire for independence and self-discovery and need to be involved in physical activities. Here are some general tips for volunteers/parents about interacting with young adolescents:

1. Spend time listening to music with your child. Compare music from 10-20 years ago to today's music.

2. Form a "chat" group with other parents to talk about issues on raising young adolescents.

3. Plan and cook a meal with your son or daughter.

4. Be aware of your child's developmental needs. Provide healthy snacks and encourage a lot of sleep. Do outside activities with your child. Ride a bike, play sports, go to the park, jog, or take a walk.

5. Watch the news with your child and discuss current events.

6. Share and talk about family photographs.

7. Place a surprise note in your middle schooler's lunch bag or under a pillow, thanking him/her for something special.

8. Take your son or daughter to lunch and spend some quality time together.

9. Keep the lines of communication open. Try not to overreact and always take time to listen.

10. Break down big chores into small parts.

11. Help your child by setting up smaller goals, such as cleaning up his/her bedroom, doing two assignments per night, etc.

12. Keep daily lists together and cross tasks off when they are completed.