Independence

How to Respect Our Tweens’ Adolescent Need for Independence

As middle schoolers become more social, they may be asking for more freedom—say, to meet several friends at the park or to bike across town to hang out outside the ice cream shop.

But are they ready? How can we respect our tween’s adolescent need for independence?

Land of the Free?

“Part of childhood is getting into trouble and figuring out how to get out of it. It’s been part of childhood throughout human history until recent times,” Gray says.

Better Late than Never

Parents who didn’t grant their middle schoolers many freedoms in younger years can do so now—with the caution that we may need to help them ease through fears.

How to Respect Our Tweens’ Adolescent Need for Independence

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