Have you told your tweens how awesome they are? Today, I’m sharing a letter I wrote to my own daughter to inspire you to do the same for your kids!!

Don’t Forget to Tell Your Tweens They’re Awesome!

Today, I’m taking some time to remind my tween how awesome she is because she needs to hear it and so do I. I’ll be perfectly honest and tell you that tween years have been hard so far. I’m so happy that my tweens are more independent and do a lot of things on their own, but we also argue a lot and our personalities clash often. It’s not all a cake walk, and I can’t pretend it is.

Sometimes, I really need to remind myself about all the good or I get bogged down by the negative. Today is that day. Today, I’m sharing a letter I wrote to my tween to focus on all the wonderful, positive things she does! I hope you will join me in sharing the love with your own kids. They’re amazing and need to hear it! Here’s my letter to my tween to inspire you to write your own.

Dear Anna,

It seems like yesterday that you were born. The time has flown by faster than I ever imagined, and I can’t believe that you are a almost a teenager! Twelve years old! How did that happen?! Before I know it,  you will be driving! We are a crazy busy family with a lot of kids. I know my attention is often focused on the younger ones who need more help, so I want to take a minute to tell you why I love YOU, and why I am proud that YOU’RE my daughter too. Never doubt for a minute that I love you and am so proud of you. <3

1. You work hard at learning. No challenge is too big for you and you’re always reading. Your teachers compliment you for being so well read and always having something useful to add to your classes.  I love that you are stubborn when it comes to what you want and try to remind myself that it’s the same as being goal oriented! Keep driving toward what you want and never stop learning. Being goal oriented will serve you so well in life.
2. You are so creative! You were the only one at the science fair last year whose science fair project was also an art project. I love that you’re always experimenting. I find robotic experiments and art supplies all over the house which drives me nuts, but you are teaching yourself so much in the process that I promise to try harder to focus on the positive learning you’re doing {even when I only see the mess}.
3. You are kind and helpful. You’re always looking for things to do to help – from stocking the little free library, to baking and donating over 30 loaves of bread to the food pantry, to playing piano at the retirement home. Simple things like holding open a door or picking up something someone dropped might seem inconsequential, but never underestimate the power of a random act of kindness.  Continue to be kind and kindness will be heaped on you in return.
4. I love that you ran cross country this year and toughed it out even though it was hard. You helped your school and cheered on your team mates, and even though you would probably rather have done something else, you dedicated every day after school to running! Your dad and I enjoyed cheering you on at cross country meets and hope you will continue to push yourself physically. We look forward to watching you play basketball next.
5. You are dedicated to the things you love, like your animals and your piano. I think it is so amazing that you can calm yourself down when you’re upset by playing piano. I love listening to you play as your music simply fills our entire home. I can’t wait to see how far you take piano. I am so proud of you for sticking with it for as long as you have.

Anna, I know we argue a lot, but I want to make sure you know that it doesn’t mean I don’t love you. On the contrary, I KNOW you are an amazing young woman. I have no doubt that you will leave a very positive mark on the world, and I can’t wait to see what that might be!

I’m so proud of you, Anna. Keep working hard and never give up.

Love you always,

Mom.

Many thanks to Yoplait Go Big for encouraging me to write this letter to my daughter. I’m so proud to partner with them so I can encourage you do the same with your own kids.

How do you help your kids be their most awesome? And have you recognized them for it? Make sure you do!