This past summer is one I will always remember as the time I officially welcomed a tween boy into my life. One moment, my son was surrounded by an army of stuffed animals (approximately eight gazillion), and the next, he’s sprawled out on his bed, earbuds in, glued to a YouTube video about Minecraft. Not a stuffed animal in sight! (Don’t worry, his beloved toy, Tramp, is still around; he’s just been tucked away.) It really happened that quickly.
While my son has long been known for his dramatic eye rolls and sharp-witted comebacks, his attitude has taken a notable turn since hitting the big 1-1. I often find myself feeling a bit anxious, realizing that we may have crossed a threshold toward full-blown teenage years. The train is coming, and I can hear it — complete with an eye-roll of its own.
In light of this transition, I’m making an effort to focus on the positives of having a tween. After all, it’s not all doom and gloom. With a lively 9-year-old, a mischievous almost-6-year-old, and a toddler with a mind of her own, the characteristics of my eldest stand out even more. Here’s what I’ve come to appreciate about having a tween boy:
- Mutual Respect for Privacy
While I still struggle for any semblance of personal space (I still don’t get to use the bathroom alone), my tween understands the need to keep a distance when it comes to my nakedness. He finds it horrifying and will cover his eyes if he accidentally walks in on me. Thanks for that, kid — and hallelujah! - Reasonable Sleep Habits
Gone are the days of battling bedtime and early mornings. My tween now sleeps in and enjoys reading late into the night. This feels like a welcome change that I can wholeheartedly support. - Independence in Self-Care
He’s out of diapers and mostly handles his hygiene on his own (I hope!). He can make his own snacks, operate the microwave, and dress himself. It’s a relief to have one less child to physically manage, though an outfit that matches would be a bonus! - A Quieter Presence
He might sulk and whine from time to time, but overall, he’s quieter than his younger brothers. He often retreats to a corner with his earbuds, which is a trade-off I can appreciate. - Developed Sense of Humor
His sense of humor has matured remarkably. He can genuinely make me laugh for the right reasons. Just the other day, as he watched his brothers head to the kiddie pool “because it’s warm,” he smirked and said, “I wonder if they know why it’s warm?” His perspective brings me joy. - A Helping Hand
I can rely on him to carry luggage, assist with groceries, and help with baby gear. It’s like having an extra pair of hands — if those hands occasionally quipped, “What am I, your servant?” (Yes, yes you are. Now, carry this!) - Shared Musical Tastes
In the ongoing battle of DVDs versus CDs in our car, he sides with me. I’ll take Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5 over the millionth viewing of a cartoon any day! - Potty Training Success
Need I say more? - Sweet Moments
Every now and then, he surprises me with heartfelt sentiments that are all the more precious for their rarity. When I dropped him off at sleepaway camp, he hugged me tightly and said, “I’m going to miss you,” before turning to his baby sister and saying, “Don’t grow up too fast.” It melted my heart into a puddle. - Adventurous Eating
He’s become more open to trying different foods, even opting for salads at dinner. Although he has his quirks about what he won’t eat, I’m hopeful he won’t be taking dates to fast food joints in the future.
I’m acutely aware that I’m in a unique phase with my son — he’s not an unreasonable little kid anymore, yet he’s not quite a teenager. He’s at an age where he’s an enjoyable companion, with enough childlike wonder left to keep things light. Though I know the teenage years will bring their own challenges, I’m savoring this moment while it lasts. When he was a baby, I never envisioned the amazing kid he has become, and it’s a delightful stage, even if it’s fleeting.
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In summary, while navigating the tween years can be daunting, the moments of joy and growth are plentiful. This transitional period holds its own magic, and I’m committed to cherishing it.