is this where we post for tween kids?

[sadie_sabot]

Hello, my kid is 8 and going into 4th grade, so a lot of what I see in this forum looks a bit younger, but the preteen/teen forum is def too old!  any other tween Parents?  especially of girls?  I'd love to talk with folks about the mean girl stuff that's just getting started, as well as body image for girls that age, especially girls who are on the heavy side.

[Katie T]

I remember feeling like there was a stage when my DD1 didn't match either area. You could always cross post. You might get a better response in the teen area because people have fresh memories and I am sure lots have been through a experience similar. : )

[velochic]

I've had this complaint for years... there is really no place for those with 7 - 11 year olds.  They're still children, but have other issues that are not quite "pre-teen-ish".  My own is 9 now and she's definitely not a "tween".  That is, she is not concerned with things that the typical 9 yo American "tween" girl thinks about.  (I liken the label of "tween" to a world created by Disney media.)  She's not a child, either.  I'd just ask the question and see how it proceeds.  I agree to cross-post it.

[insidevoice]

I usually go by whichever seems like it will fit better for my oldest.  At almost 10, she's hitting the hormonal/body changes that are "tween"ish but she's not emotionally there yet in other ways.  Then again, I also find myself thinking people don't stay in toddlers very long before heading into childhood- I think a 'preschool years' area followed by 'elementary years' would make it a little easier sometimes. 

[velochic]

Originally Posted by insidevoice 

Then again, I also find myself thinking people don't stay in toddlers very long before heading into childhood- I think a 'preschool years' area followed by 'elementary years' would make it a little easier sometimes. 

Yeah, I always wondered why there were subforums (one for infants, one for toddlers) for stages that lasts all of 12 - 18 months, but there is nothing for the kids that are transitioning from children to pre-teens, which can be many, many years depending on the child.  I wondered this before my own dd got to that age.  I suggested a change in the forum structure once to no avail.

[Ragana]

I would be interested in this also. My kids are 8 and 11, and I bounce between reading Childhood Years and Teens.

[MJB]

My oldest is 8.5 and I'm here.

[monkeybars]

I have an 8 year old dd, entering 4th grade.  She is the youngest and a different drummer, so social stuff is very difficult.  I would love some other moms to talk to!

[Daffodil]

I have an 8 1/2 year old who would be going into 3rd grade if she were in school.  She hasn't any encountered any mean girl stuff yet, though, and body image doesn't seem to be a big concern.

[Linda on the move]

My DDs are 13 and 14, and we've encountered only a little mean girl stuff. Upper elementary is the worst for this, it actually gets better in middle school.  For us, learning to not take other girls opinions to heart helped.

There was a recent thread on body image on the teen board you might find interesting

http://www.mothering.com/community/forum/thread/1318766/dear-daughter-s-tummy

[MoonWillow]

We don't like to host cross posted threads but you are welcome to post a link to the original thread. Like a "Hey guys come see my thread here!" kind of thing.

Thanks  

[One_Girl]

A forum for that age group would be very nice.  I have noticed a huge difference in my dd's maturity, reasoning, mean girl and social issues, and issues that come up from dd noticing the way society views different issues that include women and body issues but also extend beyond that.  A separate board for parents who are experiencing the same thing would be very nice.  The advice for children seems to simplistic and she isn't going through teenage stuff so it does feel like there is no where to post most issues in order to get advice that is relevant.  The tween word is one that many people who have television and media exposure seem to see as loaded with negative connotations though so it may take a different title to make it workable. 

[MoonWillow]

Originally Posted by One_Girl 

A forum for that age group would be very nice.  I have noticed a huge difference in my dd's maturity, reasoning, mean girl and social issues, and issues that come up from dd noticing the way society views different issues that include women and body issues but also extend beyond that.  A separate board for parents who are experiencing the same thing would be very nice.  The advice for children seems to simplistic and she isn't going through teenage stuff so it does feel like there is no where to post most issues in order to get advice that is relevant.  The tween word is one that many people who have television and media exposure seem to see as loaded with negative connotations though so it may take a different title to make it workable. 

You all might consider starting a thread in our questions and suggestions forum. I hear what your concerns are and that would definitely be the place to let admin know.