7 ways to tame a rude tween

Can you first finish your homework and then head down to play? "Chill" I will. I hear that almost every day in my home. That’s my (just) 8-year-old talking to me.

A minute later, you can hear her say "Ok fine, I will just do it." I take a deep breath and tell myself, "The hormones are here."

As a mother in a moment I go through anger, anguish, doubt my parenting skills (a few times in a day), and probably end it with sadness. I am told I shouldn't be.

The onset of such behaviour is not my fault. With teenage years not very far away, the kids are starting to have a mind of their own and doing it their way. We did it too. But it’s probably a bit more with the growing influence of the internet and peers, thereby pushing the parents away from them way earlier than probably when we did it.

But don’t worry it’s not as bad either. I see moments when she just wants to hug and cuddle me and these are times when I see her talents and interests emerge as she comes into her own.

Here are 7 tips from us to make this journey more enjoyable: