Thursday's Tip

Tweens ::: 9-11 Year Olds

Found in the Stadium and Arena, they're often called the "tweens" - they're in transition from being a child to a teenager and are caught in the midst of a changing world. Coming to the realization of the world around them, tweens are no longer egocentric; they now understand that there is a world that exists outside their own. Friendships are very important at this age. The "tween" thinks about the future, is goal oriented, has great ideas, but struggles to follow through, and enjoys games with more complex rules. The girls in this age group are also typically two years ahead of the boys in maturity.

At this stage, the tween has begun to realize that adults make mistakes too and may defy or belittle authority. They would rather be with their friends than their parents and can at times be cruel to their peers through the use of “put downs”. The tween also sees things as either right or wrong and does not allow for a difference of opinion.

The family is still the central influence in the child’s life, but it is important to them that they belong to a group of friends, often of the same gender. At this age, they realize that actions have consequences and are beginning to take responsibility for their actions.

What does this mean for me as a volunteer?

As a volunteer in this age group it is important to connect with both the child and their family, since the family still has a great amount of influence into the life of the child. Providing opportunities for them to lead in times of reading, discussion, and prayer is also important. Share your story, this age group has realized that adults mess up too and make mistakes, so incorporate your own stories and lessons into your discussions with this age group. Be open and willing to talk with the child about issues that concern them, they are likely to share their thoughts and opinions. Watch for children who may be excluded from groups or “put down” by other children. Encourage groups to incorporate “outsiders” into their group and to only use encouraging words with their peers. Finally, encourage the child and their family to take part in service projects. Studio 6.7 offers Family Service Projects quarterly and the Good Neighbor website is always available for families to find projects that interest them.