Eleven year old Marcia agrees. She says an eleven year old may act like they want independence, but they still need their parents. Kids are engaging in risk behavior as early as the seventh grade. Ten to twelve year olds report experimentation with drugs and alcohol. Suicide among the tweens has more than doubled in the last two decades.
Juvenile crime is up for tweens.
Most offenses are committed by juveniles under the age of fifteen. Just because they are acting older, it doesn't mean that they don't need you. Kids need you . Studies show that the preschool and the preteen years can be the most crucial for kids and their emotional development. Encourage family time together .