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Tweens and teens

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Setting Consistent Rules for Tweens: How Parents Can Get on the Same Page with a Mom Summit

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The other day, I found myself texting three different moms back and forth about plans for Friday night. “Can the kids stay later?” “Who’s driving?” “Are phones allowed?” It felt like a full-time job just trying to coordinate one hangout. Meanwhile, my tween was trying to convince me that every single kid in her friend group was allowed to stay up until midnight and that I was “literally the only mom” making her put her phone away. That’s when it hit me: our kids were operating with a completely different set of rules depending on whose house they were at. At my place, phones get turned off at 8pm. At another mom’s house, they were allowed in the bedrooms all night long. One family was strict about curfew; another was more relaxed. The kids, of course, knew all of this—and played us against each other constantly. Sound familiar? That’s when…

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When Crushes Begin: Talking about Girlfriends & Boyfriends with Kids Aged 8–12

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“Mom, I think I have a boyfriend.” Those seven words stopped me mid-sip of my morning coffee; I almost did a spit-take. My 9-year-old daughter had just casually dropped the bomb between bites of oatmeal, like it was no big deal. And to her, it probably wasn’t. But inside my head? Full. On. Panic. Talking to kids about crushes….What do I say? Do I act chill? Is this normal? Is she too young? Should I text the teacher? Am I overthinking this? Spoiler alert: I was overthinking it. But I’ve learned a lot since that breakfast moment—and if you’re a fellow parent of a tween, this one’s for you. Here is what I’ve learned since my spit-take moment: What’s Actually Going On? It’s Not Dating, It’s Imitating Before we panic and imagine high school drama playing out on the playground, let’s take a deep breath. For most tweens, “dating” is…

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In Parenting

Kids Getting Braces: Essential Tips for Parents

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As parents, many of us have hang-ups about braces, with the terms “metal-mouth,” “railroad tracks” and “headgear” echoing in our teen memories. However, if your child needs braces, you’ll be glad to hear that they’re extremely common now. So, if your kids are getting braces; here are some essential tips for parents to help you and your child navigate this new orthodontic experience. Easing your child’s worries about getting braces As with anything new, your child may feel stressed about getting braces. They may be concerned that they will look different and not fit in with their peers. The good news is: if you look around any middle school, junior high, or high school, you’ll see kids with braces everywhere. Your child is not alone – in fact, they’re joining a large group of classmates who already have braces. Encourage your child to talk to siblings, peers or cousins…

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Teen halloween safety tips
In Parenting

Halloween Safety for Tweens & Teens; Because Times Have Changed!

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We often discuss kids’ safety on Halloween, wearing bright colors, crossing the street, and checking candy. But as our kids become tweens, the rules seem to change, and there isn’t as much info floating around on Halloween safety for teens and tweens, especially in modern-day society. Eventually, our kids will reach a point when they wander out without adults or perhaps attend a party. The rules are different. While we want them to be independent and have fun with their friends, it’s also essential to send them into the world armed with all the tools to stay safe. Your must talk to them before going out. As painful as they may find it – it’s super important. Read safety tips to make yourself aware of and open the discussion up with your tweens and teens. Tips: Pick a route ahead of time. Make all the parents aware of this route…

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