At 12, your child is caught between childhood and full-blown adolescence. One minute they’re asking for help with homework, the next they’re rolling their eyes and slamming doors. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: they’re not trying to push you away—they’re trying to figure out who they are.
To truly connect:
- Listen more than you lecture. Let them talk without jumping in with solutions.
- Pick the right moments. Car rides, bedtime, or while doing something together often open the door to deeper chats.
- Stay curious, not critical. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” instead of “Did you do your homework?”
- Validate their feelings. Even if their problems seem small, they’re big to them.
This stage is about building trust. If they know you’re a safe space now, they’re more likely to come to you later—when the stakes feel higher.
You’re not just raising a teenager—you’re guiding a future adult. 💬💛
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