Tween Us is Must Reading for Parents of 9 to 12 Year Olds

Sometimes I arrive a little late for the party.  And sometimes I don't even know the party is happening.

That is how I felt when I ran across Shannan Younger's Tween Us blog. Younger's blog runs several days a week on the Chicago Now website.  In the About section of the Tween Us page, Younger states that this blog explores "the world of adolescents and the adventure of parenting them." The author further states that in little more than two years, Tween Us has been recognized as a leading authority in adolescent parenting.

Now that I have arrived at the Tween Us party, I feel the need to share it with you.  Suffice it to say I am very impressed.  Recent posts have dealt with apps not very familiar to adults (Periscope, SnapChat, Meerkat, to name a few).  She discusses the pros and cons of each app and makes parents aware of what using the app could mean to their child's privacy. Her advice is sound, not hysterical or pooh-poohing.  She gives you the facts you as a parent need to make informed decisions with your children.

She is a champion of esteem-building for young girls.  Tuesday's post championed the selection of Misty Copeland as a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater, citing Copeland's work ethic and refusal to give in the naysayers.  Another notable post is titled "Trying to Raise a Confident Daughter When I Don't Feel Confident About Much Myself."  Definitely worth the read.

Parenting is tough, if you do it well.  Of course nothing is more rewarding.  But it is nice to have a voice like Shannan Younger's talking us through the process.