About.com Parenting Tweens

Organize Holiday Activities and Spending Now

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:05:22 +0000

It's easy to lose control of your holiday spending, especially when you're not organized and don't keep track of spending, and the added-on expenses of holiday activities.

That's why it's always a good idea to organize and track spending through gift lists, and keep track of all the activities your family wants to enjoy this year. The benefits of staying organized are two-fold: you can keep a handle on your spending, and you prevent yourself from stressing out, running from one event to another without ever coming up for air.

More Thrifty Thursday Ideas from the Parenting Channel

Draw Names on Thanksgiving

Snacks for Teens, Waste Not, Want Not

Control Holiday Spending and Activity Overload Now!

Cyber Monday Deals

Inexpensive Pregnancy Tests

Organize Holiday Activities and Spending Now originally appeared on About.com Parenting Tweens on Thursday, November 26th, 2009 at 05:05:22.

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Reviewing Holiday Etiquette with Your Tween

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:36:20 +0000

Now that the holiday season is officially underway, it might be a good time to review some basic lessons in manners and etiquette with your tween.

There's really no reason why your child can't take the time to show others appreciation and gratitude, and a well-written thank you note, or a thoughtful gesture are easy ways to do that. Make it fun, so that your tween doesn't feel like he's getting yet another lecture about keeping his feet off the dinner table. Humor, light hearted remarks, or upbeat suggestions might be all it takes to encourage a little thoughtfulness, every now and then.

Reviewing Holiday Etiquette with Your Tween originally appeared on About.com Parenting Tweens on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 09:36:20.

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Electronic Gift Ideas for Tweens

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:45:48 +0000

Black Friday is a mere four days away. If you plan to do any shopping on Friday, either in the stores or online, you'll need a handy list of gift ideas for everybody on your holiday list.

As you can imagine, electronic gifts are pretty popular with tweens, and some of them are reasonably priced. Just be sure you can return any items without hassle -- no matter who you're buying for.

Electronic Gift Ideas for Tweens originally appeared on About.com Parenting Tweens on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 17:45:48.

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Is New Moon Appropriate for Tweens?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:30:23 +0000

This weekend has been anticipated by Twilight fans for months. New Moon, the second installment of the Twilight series opens in movie theatres today. While tweens, teens and fans of all ages will wait in line for tickets this weekend, conversations are bound to continue about whether or not the movie (and the books) are appropriate for the tween crowd.

Having seen the movie at a press premiere earlier this week, I can say that one thing's for sure: parents will feel pretty strongly one way or another. How do you feel about allowing tweens watch New Moon? Do you think it's a great story, and one that tweens can learn from with adult supervision? Or, do you think the content is too mature for those under 13?

Is New Moon Appropriate for Tweens? originally appeared on About.com Parenting Tweens on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 18:30:23.

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Shopping for Fun and Inexpensive Tween Stocking Stuffers

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:03:56 +0000

If you're planning on hitting the stores on Black Friday, or even if you're planning on knocking out a little shopping before then, be sure you make the most of your time. Make a list of items you're looking for (for your tween and other family members) and don't forget about all those little stocking stuffers.

Finding fun stocking stuffers for tweens is pretty easy, just gravitate toward the novelty section of the stores you visit, and don't forget about a practical stuffer or two -- such as a pair of gloves or Chapstick.

Most of all, have fun and enjoy the experience. It only comes once a year, after all.

More Thrifty Thursday Ideas from The Parenting Channel

Try a Car Boot Sale

8 Coupons to Make Thanksgiving Cheaper

Free Pregnancy Advice

Up to 70% off Designer Baby Clothes at Totsy.com

Get Ready for Black Friday

Will You Buy Your Spouse a Holiday Gift?

Access Wal-Mart's 32-Page Black Friday Ad

Follow Me on Twitter

Shopping for Fun and Inexpensive Tween Stocking Stuffers originally appeared on About.com Parenting Tweens on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 05:03:56.

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Tween Room Decorating on the Cheap

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:33:54 +0000

If your tween hasn't asked for a bedroom makeover yet, prepare yourself. It's coming. But making over a tween bedroom doesn't have to be expensive, and you don't need to call in the professionals to get it done.

Experts advise you simplify room makeovers by: clearing out everything your child no longer wants and organizing must-keep items; slapping on a new coat of paint; and adding a few fun accessories. Simple, and budget-conscious.

How would you keep a child's room makeover from taking over the family savings account? Share your comments below.

Tween Room Decorating on the Cheap originally appeared on About.com Parenting Tweens on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 08:33:54.

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Making Time for Thanksgiving Fun

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:44:30 +0000

It's easy to feel sorry for Thanksgiving, the holiday that seems to get lost in the pre-Christmas frenzy. But this year, my youngest is determined that the last Thursday in November gets its due. Already, she's planning on decorating the house, and has picked a few recipes she wants to make for the family.

Her enthusiasm has jump-started my own, although I'm not sure I'm up for preparing a huge Thanksgiving meal, soup to nuts. Nonetheless, your tweens can also participate in the annual ritual of thanks and Thanksgiving. Just incorporate them into the daily activities, and let them take charge of an activity or two on their own. That may make your list of holiday to-dos a little shorter, and that's truly something to be thankful for, don't you think?

Making Time for Thanksgiving Fun originally appeared on About.com Parenting Tweens on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 07:44:30.

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American Girl Expands into Crafts Arena

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:02:18 +0000

First the dolls, then the books, then the movies. Now, the folks over at American Girl are offering up craft projects and kits for tween girls. The projects, which are available this month at 1,200 Michaels Craft Stores, are reasonably priced and are true to the American Girl mission.

These craft projects would make great gifts for a birthday party, and cater to the creative side of the tween girl mind. Projects include sewing kits, jewelry making kits, scrapbooking projects, room decor projects, fashion projects and more. A thrifty choice for budget-conscious parents on the prowl for great gift giving ideas.

More Thrifty Thursday Ideas from the Parenting Channel:

Check Grocery Coupons for Savings on Gifts

Check Out Clearance Racks with Your Teens

Save Money on Baby by Decluttering

American Girl Offers Budget-Conscious Gifts

Take Advantage of Free Shipping This Holiday Season

Free Shipping from Online Vendors

Plan Now, Black Friday Deals Already Circulating

Shop Early for Savings on Holiday Gifts

American Girl Expands into Crafts Arena originally appeared on About.com Parenting Tweens on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 05:02:18.

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Smoking Influences Differ by Gender

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:24:12 +0000

Whether or not your child decides to smoke may depend, in part, on gender. According to research by Weill Cornell Medical College, tween attitudes towards smoking and drug use are different for boys and girls.

For the study, confidential surveys were distributed to 6th and 7th graders. The results showed that tween girls are more likely to engage in smoking and other drug abuse if their friends do, whereas boys are influenced by their age group as a whole, and not just their friends.

Also, it appears as though parents do influence their children's behaviors. Children of parents who had permissive views on smoking and drinking were more likely to light up or drink alcohol than their peers.

Tweens Can Suffer From Eating Disorders

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:42:27 +0000

Most people assume teens and young adults are more likely to suffer from eating disorders. But research shows that many people who battle bulimia, anorexia, and other eating disorders first showed symptoms at the age of 10. Hard to believe, isn't it?

It's normal for tweens to be concerned about their weight and body image. After all, they're more self-aware and are flooded with images of "beauty" from just about every direction. Still, if your child's interest in body image, weight, and food take a serious turn, you should know the symptoms that there might be a problem, and understand treatment options that are available to you.

Tweens Can Suffer From Eating Disorders originally appeared on About.com Parenting Tweens on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 09:42:27.

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