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Parenting Preteenagers
Handling the Common Crises
By Julia Rosien
You've learned to handle the tantrums. You dealt with toilet training and the tooth fairy years ago. But suddenly, 
you have a 10-year-old standing in front of you – and she thinks the whole world hates her. How do you solve this one?
"Next to babyhood, preteenage years impact directly how your child approaches the rest of his life," says Debra Dejonge, director of Kitchener-Waterloo Counseling and social worker for Catholic Family Services."
They don't always mean that. In fact, staying actively involved in your child's life through the turbulent prepubescent years cements your relationship before you encounter the storms of puberty. Learn about his likes and dislikes, and take an active role in what interests him. Volunteer in his classroom or go along for special outings. If you can't do this, schedule time each day to be together without distractions. Get to know the names of his friends, and invite them to "hang out" at your house. Don't be afraid to show your changing child that his life matters to you.
Every parent finds a different time and way to be with her child. Lorna Loewen of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, finds the best time to be with her children is just before bed. "Things I couldn't even get an answer for during the day suddenly become very open at this private time together," Loewen says. Keeping the gate open without judgement is the best way parents can maintain contact with their children.