Archive for December 2012

Seven amazing tweens who did great things in 2012

A 9 year-old boy, Caine Monroy, constructed an elaborate arcade out of cardboard boxes in his dad's used auto parts store in Los Angeles. He was surprised by hundreds of customers in an event that was turned into a movie. His boundless creativity and enthusiasm was an inspiration to all who saw it.
Tweens can change the world, and many of them did so in 2012. We’d like to end the year on a high note and with good news, so please click through the gallery below to see just some of the amazing tweens that have garnered attention for all the right reasons in 2012. From artists... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
December 30, 2012 at 10:45 pm • 

New Year's Eve family game night: fun twists on the classics

New Year's Eve family game night: fun twists on the classics
Winter break is at the half way point, and by now you’re tired of the siblings being at each others’ throats and you’re ready for a little space. That can make the cries of “I’m bored” even harder to handle. While you’re all ready for a little space, tweens still crave your undivided attention. Family... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
December 29, 2012 at 6:21 am • 

Fight boredom: Craft projects to do with kids over winter break

Fight boredom: Craft projects to do with kids over winter break
“And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.”  Johnny Mathis knew what he was singing about in “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” as kids  home from school start declaring, “I’m bored!” In the aftermath that follows unwrapping the presents and avoiding writing thank you notes, the kids turn... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
December 28, 2012 at 9:20 am • 
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Fight boredom: Keep kids busy by putting them in charge of making dinner

Fight boredom: Keep kids busy by putting them in charge of making dinner
In the aftermath that follows unwrapping the presents and avoiding writing thank you notes, the kids turn to you to for entertainment. For the next few days, Tween Us is armed with suggestions to get you and your kids through winter break, and have fun together and with others. Preempt the cries of “I’m bored!”... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
December 27, 2012 at 7:30 am • 

Fight boredom: Keep kids busy over winter break by throwing a party

Fight boredom: Keep kids busy over winter break by throwing a party
“And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.”  Johnny Mathis knew what he was singing about in “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” as kids  home from school start declaring, “I’m bored!” In the aftermath that follows unwrapping the presents and avoiding writing thank you notes, the kids turn... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
December 26, 2012 at 9:50 am • 

Fast, easy fudge recipe perfect for tasty last minute gifts

Fast, easy fudge recipe perfect for tasty last minute gifts
My mom has given me many gifts over the years, and now I’m going to share one with you – her fudge recipe. With only three ingredients, this is the easiest, quickest recipe ever,  and it makes the best fudge, in my family’s opinion. I’ve given as it a gift for years and have received... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
December 20, 2012 at 8:31 am • 
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Christmas tradition that grows as kids do: the scavenger hunt

Christmas Eve traditions vary by family. Some get matching pajamas, some eat special meals, and some attend candlelight Mass or services. In my family, our favorite Christmas Eve tradition is a little unusual: we go on a scavenger hunt. Get 10 printable scavenger hunt clues here. From when we were very little, my parents would... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
December 19, 2012 at 6:29 am • 

Letter to Santa: I may be grown up, but I still believe in you

Letter to Santa: I may be grown up, but I still believe in you
Dear Santa, We go way back, my friend, and for that I’m grateful. You were always there for me as a child, and I’ve enjoyed how our relationship has evolved. Thank you for sharing your magic. Being your deputy elf has brought me great delight.  I thought about writing this letter a few weeks ago,... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
December 17, 2012 at 6:14 am • 

How to talk to kids and tweens about tragedies

The news of the absolutely tragic school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT, is horrific.  Many children and adults are dead, with recent reports bringing the death toll at the school to 26, including 18 children.  Upon first hearing the news, I wanted to hug my daughter, wanted to go to her elementary... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
December 14, 2012 at 1:02 pm • 
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Kids should wear their pajamas to sleep, not to school or to parties

Kids should wear their pajamas to sleep, not to school or to parties
I firmly believe that my tween should wear pajamas to bed, not to school and not to public events. This apparently puts me in the minority.  My daughter’s school has Pajama Day as part of its spirit week, and our local park district sponsors “Tween Night” every few weeks in the winter, and tonight’s theme... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
December 14, 2012 at 9:02 am •