Keep them safe but give them space. Tweens still need plenty of parental guidance. It's your job to ensure they eat well, mind their hygiene needs, and make safe choices online. At the same time, it's normal—healthy, even—for tweens to turn away from parents and toward friends. For their development and your relationship, give them some autonomy, whether it's letting them pick out their clothes or respecting a closed bedroom door. When you and your tween agree on healthy boundaries on both sides, you can avoid many conflicts.