10 Reasons Tween Boys are Truly Awesome

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As the summer rolled in, I found myself reflecting on a significant shift in my life: the arrival of a tween boy. One moment, my son was nestled among a mountain of stuffed animals, and the next, he was sprawled on his bed, earbuds in, absorbed in a YouTube Minecraft video. It’s astonishing how quickly things can change! While he has always had a knack for eye rolls and sarcastic comments, this summer marked a new level of attitude as he turned 11. I often feel like I’m standing at the edge of a teenage cliff, but amidst the chaos, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate this phase in his life.

1. Mutual Respect for Privacy

While complete privacy remains elusive—let’s be honest, I still can’t pee alone—my tween has developed a strong aversion to seeing me undressed. He actively avoids situations where that might happen, and if he inadvertently catches a glimpse, he covers his eyes and gasps dramatically. It’s a small victory for both of us!

2. Understanding Sleep Patterns

Gone are the days of battling bedtime and early mornings. My tween now relishes sleeping in and staying up late to read, which is a welcome change that makes perfect sense to me.

3. Independent Self-Care

The days of diapers and constant supervision are behind us. He can wash his own hair (most of the time), prepare his own snacks, and even select his outfits. If only he could master the art of matching clothes, we’d be in business!

4. Quiet Moments

He’s not entirely silent—there’s still plenty of whining and sulking—but he tends to keep to himself, often found in a corner with his earbuds in. It’s a trade-off I can live with.

5. Developed Sense of Humor

His wit has flourished, and he can genuinely make me laugh. Just the other day, as he watched his younger siblings approach a kiddie pool, he smirked and said, “I wonder if they know why it’s warm?” I appreciate his clever perspective.

6. Competent Helper

My tween can be counted on to carry groceries, help with luggage, and assist with baby gear. It feels like having an extra set of hands, even if those hands occasionally complain, “What am I, your servant?” Yes, yes you are!

7. Shared Music Taste

In the ongoing battle of music in the car, he stands firmly by my side. I’ll take Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5 over yet another showing of a kids’ movie any day!

8. Better Bladder Control

No explanation needed. Just trust me on this one.

9. Rare Sweet Moments

Every now and then, he surprises me with heartfelt sentiments. When I dropped him off at camp, he hugged me and whispered, “I’m going to miss you,” before giving his baby sister a little advice not to grow up too fast. It melted my heart.

10. Adventurous Eater

He surprises me with his willingness to try new foods, even opting for salads at dinner. His list of dislikes is still longer than I’d prefer, but I have hope he won’t always be stuck in a fast-food rut.

Navigating this transitional phase with my son has been a bittersweet experience. He’s no longer an unreasonable little kid, nor is he a full-blown teenager yet. This is a delightful moment where we can enjoy each other’s company and appreciate the unique bond we share. As I look back at how far he’s come, it’s clear that this phase, though fleeting, is truly special.

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