Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by The Smetz Files
Are you parenting tweens? Read why I’m enjoying this sweet spot of motherhood.
As I wrote in my introduction, a major reason for my blogging and starting The Smetz Files was to share personal stories and how I make sense of my life experiences, mostly centered around parenting my kids.
As I read parenting blogs I noticed there was a proliferation of blogs related to navigating pregnancy, the newborn stage, and the toddler years (all super helpful!). There are also great blogs on raising teens (stockpiling and reading those as I approach that stage sooner than I’d like to think!).
But at the moment I’m between those two extremes on the momming continuum.
A New Stage
I am in that sweet spot that is the middle elementary years. Currently my two are in second and fourth grades, where they are mostly independent. They have funny personalities, mostly understand sarcasm, ask great questions, and are generally fun to be around (no one is perfect all the time!). There is still a lot of growing and development that feels scary and daunting. Hello, parenting in the age of social media…we’re dipping our toes in that water and that is terrifying! Questions abound: what is the right age to get a cell phone? Can they stay home alone? What are the best meals for keeping a picky eater well nourished?
Of course I survey trusted mom friends to get a better understanding of how they are handling such issues as I encounter them, and that has been super helpful. In all of this, I have to continue to trust my instinct, ask questions to understand, and know that ultimately there is no right way and what works for one kid will likely not work for the other one!
Finding Simple Pleasures
So, here I am, trying to really enjoy these middle elementary years. I am relishing in their independence, delighting in their conversations, and still trying to make parenting choices that position them for greatness. Every stage (so far) has felt overwhelming, but I’m learning to enjoy the moment, accept it for what it is, and find the joy of them being in what feels like a sweet spot.
Calm Before the Storm
Am I living in the calm before the storm that is the tween and teenage years? Probably.
Am I going to enjoy the calm?
Most definitely! 🙂
What is your best advice for ‘momming’ in this sweet spot? How do you take time to enjoy each stage with your kiddos?
Send me encouragement as I move towards the dreaded middle school years! Follow The Smetz Files on social media!
Ready for the middle school years? Read more.
