5 Don'ts for the Power Struggle Years

Stand your ground when your tween faces peer pressure.

Nov 06, 2012

Ages

11-13

  1. Don't give in to your child's demands because you want him to love you. He'll love you more for being caring and principled.
  2. Don't criticize your child personally. Focus any concerns on specific behavior, choices, and disagreements.
  3. Don't trample on your child's sensitivities or be critical of him for wanting to be like his friends.
  4. Don't try to help your child win friends or seem "cool" by letting kids do risky things at your house.
  5. Don't assume other parents are as relaxed about an issue as you. If another child is with you, check with his parents first for their viewpoint.
Social Skills
Social Life & Friendship
Age 13
Age 12
Age 11
Families and Relationships
Growing Up
Adolescent Issues
Social and Emotional Development