Not for the Faint of Heart: The Tween Transition

Having a tween who's about to become a teen is not for the faint of heart. Junior high is such a tough age—trying to figure out who you are while your body is changing and hormones are all over the place. Honestly, it can feel like a lose-lose situation most days.

As parents, trying to keep our kids in a healthy mindset during this stage can be challenging and, at times, discouraging. They're at an age where they’d usually rather be with their friends than at home. But this is exactly when they need us most.

It takes real effort to keep those lines of communication open. Still, it's worth it—because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to raise good, kind, strong humans… or at least, I hope we are.

 These are the lessons I believe are so important for us, as moms and dads, to be having real, open conversations about with our teens:

• Use your voice — it’s one of your greatest tools. Don’t be afraid to speak up.

• Know your limits — saying “no” isn’t being rude, it’s showing self-respect.

• Learn to manage money — it’s the foundation of true independence.

• Be selective with friendships — not everyone deserves access to your heart.

• Walk away from disrespect — sometimes silence says more than any comeback.

• Take care of your body — you only get one, treat it like home.

• Listen to your gut — your instincts are often more honest than outside opinions.

• Stop chasing approval — your worth isn’t something for others to decide.

• Be okay being alone — learning to enjoy your own company builds true confidence.

• Keep your word — integrity is what people remember about you.

• Own your mistakes — saying “I was wrong” shows real strength.

• Don’t fear failure — it’s how success begins.

• Think about the future — every choice builds the life you’re heading toward.

• Practice discipline — it’s what real freedom is built on.

• Respect yourself first — it teaches others how to treat you.

• Stay in control of your emotions — calm is one of the most powerful responses.

• Know basic life skills — don’t rely on anyone else for your survival.

• Be kind, but don’t be a pushover — kindness paired with wisdom is powerful.

• Protect your online presence — what you share matters more than you think.

• Learn to cook — it’s not about gender, it’s about health and life skills.

• Dress for yourself — confidence will always outshine trends.

• Guard your time — it’s your most valuable resource.

• Speak the truth, but with kindness — honesty doesn’t have to hurt.

• Never stop learning — a curious mind opens doors.

• Keep some things to yourself — peace often lives in privacy.

• Don’t fight every battle — your energy is too precious to waste.

• Stay curious — questions lead to understanding and growth.

• Celebrate others — building each other up makes us all stronger.

• Embrace change — flexibility is key to thriving in life.

• Focus on self-worth, not ego — quiet confidence is powerful.

• Say no without guilt — your peace is reason enough.

• Know when it’s time to let go — not everything is meant to last.

• Stay grounded — no matter how far you go, keep your humility.

• Let your actions show how you feel — they often speak louder than words.

• Finish what you start — it builds trust in yourself and others.

• Choose love, but never lose yourself in it — love should lift, not erase you.