Smart tricks to raising a happy tween
They are no longer little children, but they are not teenagers yet. Yes, we are talking of those difficult tween years, when 10 to 12 year olds are literally between two phases – childhood and adolescence – and show a bit of both. We will discuss some of the ways in which you can help tweens be happy, and remain so.
Link them with nature
Don’t underestimate the power of nature in making kids happy and healthy. Think of safe outdoor activities. Running on grass, climbing trees, and digging in the soil are all easily done in the nearest park. If that is difficult in the post-pandemic world, just get them to read a book on the balcony or next to the window. Taking care of potted plants, daily game hours on the terrace, taking a walk: all connect kids to nature.
Regulate daily screen time
While social media addiction is more common for teens, 10 to 12 year olds consider 2 hours of video game as ‘sports’ activity. Establish clear limits on your child’s daily screen time, enforce it, and follow it yourself. Push in other activities instead – like singing, dancing, reading, yoga, cooking - anything they find fun. They need to taste happiness from real world activities, and they can continue these for a lifetime.
Practice gratitude and a reward system
We all know there’s a big difference between forcing a “thank you” and genuinely meaning it. Give your kid a thank you note on finishing a chore. Set up no-cost rewards. Chores and good behaviour should end in hugs, favourite foods or an outing. You will find your kid getting happier and healthier.
Make regular activities joyful
Encourage your tween to find joy in everyday life. Once eating an ice cream, listening to music or just taking a long bath becomes joyful, it will remain a source of happiness always.
Encourage goals, not perfection
Working to reach a goal and achieving it makes us happy. But too much ambition can make us depressed. Your tween need not be an ace at everything she does, but she should learn the importance of setting realistic goals, achieving them, and feeling happy at the achievement. This is the first step towards a focused, fulfilled and deeply happy life ahead.