Navigating Preteen Behavior

Navigating the preteen years can be challenging as children start asserting more independence and experiencing broader social and emotional changes. To address challenging preteen behavior, maintain open lines of communication. Encourage your child to talk about their life and feelings, and actively listen to them. Establish clear, reasonable boundaries and consequences that are discussed and agreed upon beforehand. Support their need for independence by allowing them to make choices within those boundaries. Focus on positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior, and be sure to model the respect and behavior you expect from them.