Navigating Through Life With Your Preteen Son
Time will always keep moving. Kids grow and age just as parents do and soon you will find yourself in a foggy place. Your baby boy has grown out of childhood but hasn't quite reached the teen years. Preteen hormones and growth spurts are a daily occurrence and can leave you at your wits end with his changing moods. Don't give up hope, this time may be challenging to navigate but it's also thrilling to see the man your son will become.
Entering fifth and sixth grade means that your son will be given more freedoms. Things like paper routes and school duties become a part of their daily routine and he might also be asked to do more difficult physical tasks as he gains strength. It's normal for boys at this age to try and revert back to the past, to the days before they had so many responsibilities.
That's an understandable reaction in this time of rapid change and you can help him through it with encouragement. Explain how proud you are of him and boost his confidence with positive words to help him deal with those feelings.
Gaming is a hobby that can overtake the mind and time of preteen boys. Hours upon hours of time can be spent at the TV or the computer workstation desk immersed in a virtual world. Be on the look out for signs that his hobby has become too much for him or exerts influence on other areas of his life. Place limits on gaming if it will help.
Your son may also be growing almost over night. His clothes will quickly become too small and he could be discovering a new sense of fashion. Look at buying clothes in sets – one to fit now and a similar style in a larger size to fit soon after. Some adjustable items can be purchased in men's sizes. Winter coats, gloves and socks might work. Men's watches are perfect and will help give him a handle on his responsibilities.
As he grows your son may find his coordination has a few issues. If he enjoys a certain sport, encourage him to keep at it and his muscles will adapt. If he is nervous to try new things or not comfortable with this new strength, suggest other physical activities that will be beneficial to him. Things like swimming, weight lifting and cycling can all be done together and without pressure. You can get involved as well by buying mountain bike or exercise equipment as a family.
To effectively parent your son through this bumpy time in his life, you need to pay attention and make an effort. Get involved in positive ways and be encouraging. That way he'll always know that you love him.
