Mood Swings, Eye Rolls, and Growing Pains: Parenting the Tween Transition | YKMS

Episode Overview:

If you're parenting a 12-year-old (or about to), this one’s for you.

We talk about the moment your sweet kid suddenly starts rolling their eyes, refusing hugs, demanding independence - and testing every nerve you have. We share real stories from our own homes, laugh through the chaos, and get honest about how hard this transition can feel.

But underneath the attitude and inconsistency is a powerful truth: your child’s brain is under construction, their emotions are big, and you are still their safe place - even when they act like they can’t stand you.

This episode is a mix of neuroscience, nostalgia, and no-filter parenting. You’re not imagining the shift and you’re not alone in finding it hard.

Key Discussion Points:

• What’s really going on in a 12-year-old’s brain and why their behaviour feels so inconsistent
• How pushback is actually a (messy) form of connection and growth
• The importance of small connection moments over forced big talks
• How to model emotional regulation (even when you want to scream)
• Why grief is a real part of watching your child pull away and how to process it

Listener Takeaways:

• You’re not failing, your child is becoming.
• Connection doesn’t always look like closeness.
• The tone might sting, but it’s not personal, it’s developmental.
• Let them push, but you don’t need to push back.
• Laugh, pause, model calm, and remember: this is a season.

📣 Join the Conversation:

Are you in the thick of the tween phase too?
What’s been the most surprising thing about parenting a 12-year-old?
Leave us a voice note or drop us a DM - we’d love to share this journey with you.

And if you found this helpful, please send it to a fellow parent who might need the reminder: you’re not alone.

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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

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Disclaimer:

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.