Tween Communication - Seize the Moment
I needed to run a few errands today and since the kids are home on spring break (and so is Dad), I put out a call for which of my three kids wanted to join me. Granted the errands were pretty dull, but my middle child - Miss M, the 9 year old social butterfly - immediately jumped at the chance. When I asked her why she wanted to come with me, she said she just wanted to be able to talk to me without her brother or sister being present.
Okay, I thought. I wondered what earth shattering, blush inducing things she might want to discuss (she is known for these things) with me. We got in the car and headed out to the bank. She immediately pulled out her book and started to read. I asked her why she brought a book when she had said, that she wanted to talk with me? She put down the book and started in on her normal chit chat. Nothing too major - just an analysis of all her friends, talk about clothes, a comment about the rundown house on road to the bank, and the new kitten.
She talked me into letting her pick up a magazine at the grocery store. On the way home she pointed out a word in the “ask the editor” section and asked what it was. The word was bisexual. Great. I wasn’t really prepared to explain that one today!! I tried to keep it basic and just said it was someone who liked both boys and girls as in liked kissing boys and girls - to which she immediately said, “EWWWW” and I promptly agreed.
Never a dull moment in this whole tween parenting thing you know!! But, even though explaining bisexual was not in my plan today, I am still grateful that my daughter will ask me these questions and wants to talk about everything under the sun still.
FamilyEducation.com has a really good article on Talking to Tweens that some of you might find interesting, too.
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POSTED IN: Communication, Weary Parent
1 opinion for Tween Communication - Seize the Moment
Mommy B
Mar 25, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Aren’t those little unexpected moments the best? I always find those moments when my daughter and I are alone watching TV or in the car on the way to the dentist or supermarket that she lets her guard down. We may talk about nothing or she may just come out with a question or topic that would never come out at home in front of her dad or brother.
I also find these to be the best times to bring up things that she would never elaborate on in the daily chaos at home: what’s happening in school, what her friends are up to, how she feels about stuff…I’m a huge fan of the mother-daughter day. You’d be amazed at what a tween will chat about over shopping and lunch.
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