Whatever be the age of the child, his upbringing at every age brings a new challenge for the parents. If the child is very young, then that age has its own challenges and if he is a pre-teen, that is, 9 to 12 years old, then it is different. If your child is also in the C stage, then his upbringing is not going to be easy. At this time, he is neither a teenager nor a child. A different kind of upheaval is going on inside him. He is going through a phase of physical and mental changes. He expresses his sorrow as anger. This stage of nine to twelve years is a period of change in all the hormones. Therefore, it is natural for his nature to have ups and downs, that is, mood swings. In such a situation, the responsibility of the parents increases even more. You not only have to handle them but also explain to them and show them the way by staying behind the scenes.
give them time
It is often difficult to persuade pre-teens to talk openly. Therefore, you will have to make more efforts to talk to him. For this purpose, give him time once or twice a week. At that time, you have to give time only to him. Give this time to your child by keeping distance from mobile or other people.
Change the way you talk
As your child changes, you need to change the way you talk to him. When he was young, you could ask him direct questions like, how was school? Now this direct way of asking questions may seem like a barrage of questions and interference. Now you will have to ask your child the same questions in a roundabout way and listen to him like a good listener without interrupting. By doing this, you will be able to gather more information about him.
Preparation is essential
According to Dr. Unnati Kumar, there is a right time for everything and we should inform the child about it before that time arrives. Like when a child goes out of the house for the first time, some changes come in his life or as a girl grows up, some questions arise in her mind. Before this happens, make them aware of the upcoming changes or their possibilities. Only then will the child be able to deal with those challenges properly when the time comes.
No negative response
With increasing age, many questions come to the mind of the child. Dr. Kumar says that no question is wrong. If it is wrong, then it is your reaction as a parent. Do not be judgemental for any matter, any question. Resolve the child’s curiosity with normal behavior. Discuss the issue with him and give accurate information. If he looks uncomfortable, ask him questions and answer them without any prejudice. Never stop his series of questions by scolding him.
These things will come in handy
* If you are facing challenges in communicating with your pre-teen child like before, here are some tips that can help you:
* Answer all his questions with ease. No question is wrong, so do not scold the child for asking questions or else he will start hiding things from you.
* If you have a daughter, tell her about the changes that happen during adolescence. Stop hiding sanitary pads. Its presence in your house should be a normal thing for your son.
* You will find books online or in book stores that can help him understand adolescence.
* At this age, the child will say many things that you may find wrong. There may be a change in his way of speaking. Earlier, he would listen to most of your words, but now he will start giving his opinion. Take these changes in the child’s nature in a natural way. If he is talking or reacting in a wrong way, then instead of scolding or interrupting him immediately, interrupt him after two minutes and ask him whether this way of speaking was right? The child will not only accept his mistake but will also bring about the necessary improvement in his nature.
