You guys. I don’t know how parents survive this. I really don’t know how teachers and school administrations deal with it en mass…. The tween mood swings may just be the end of me (or the start of a long relationship with my wine glass).
These two. My almost 11 year old twins. This weird tween-ish age where they both are and are not little kids. They want to be older. They want to say and do things that their older cousin does (uh…. no). But there are glimpses of my littles still there, wanting and needing my help – but they are becoming few and far between.
It is such a weird time. They are grumpy, they are goofy. They are angry one minute, and completely chill the next. They can’t stand each other. They are worried about each other. They sleep more, they stink more, they eat more, they worry more. They are pushing their boundaries and pushing my buttons. The eye-rolls and frustrated sighs…. They are at an age where I don’t really want to know why showers take longer, or what they are doing in their rooms (this is where the men need to step in).
When I have a conversation about “why” they are doing whatever has been called to my attention – I get tears of anguish… cries of “I don’t know” and “I can’t control my emotions”. I am left feeling helpless, because I cannot fix things for them, I can only give them a little guidance and support, and hope they make the right choices (or are ready to deal with consequences).
Basically I am in a house full of males – and I am terrified they will all end up on the same hormonal cycle of IMS: Irritable Male Syndrome.
No matter how much these changes stress me out, I try to be the calming voice of reason (it is not pretty when momma loses her shit). I read something a while back, and it stuck with me and helps how I approach the wild beasts….. Here are 9 SUPER IMPORTANT THINGS that every Tween (and every child) needs to hear:
- I love you.
- You matter.
- I’m proud of you.
- I’m sorry.
- I’m listening.
- I forgive you.
- This is your responsibility.
- You are capable.
- I am so glad you are mine.
Seems so simple right. But think about the last time you made a point to say any or all of these things. Even if you think they know….. they need to hear the words.
Seriously though. I feel like my hands are full with 2 boys. Imagine being a teacher with 30 or so hormone twitchy tweens…. the mood-swings must be full blown carnival rides. I am thankful for the teachers we have. I am glad that they are open and communicate with me when something is “off” with my monsters. It gives me an opportunity to have a discussion and try and sort it out – I’m not always successful, but I am glad for the chance to try. I feel like I need to buy them all drinks, or chocolate, or both…. along with a medal of honor and bravery for dealing with so much more than I could handle. Thank you for being amazing.
I am fiercely proud of the people my kids are becoming. I know that at the end of this phase, we will be stronger and ready to face what the world throws us next. As always, thank you for my village for helping keep us sane – I hope the odds are ever in our favor to survive the raging changes.
#CrazyAsAMother #TwinTweenTerror #FrickAndFrack #BringMeAllTheWine #TeachersAreSuperHeroes
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