At 12, the brain is in one of its biggest growth phases since early childhood. Emotions are louder, friendships feel higher-stakes, and logic can’t always keep up. The part of their brain that handles reasoning and self-control is still building connections, while the part that handles emotion is already in overdrive. That’s why your calm presence matters so much. Rolling eyes? Normal. Needing space but checking if you’re still close? Normal. Laughing when they’re nervous, arguing about fairness, forgetting what you just said? Still normal. Underneath it all, their nervous system is working overtime to figure out: Am I safe? Am I accepted? Do I belong? You don’t have to fix their reactions. You just have to stay steady while their brain learns how to do the same. Get practical tools and neuroscience-backed strategies for this stage in Big Kids, Bigger Feelings. Comment: BOOK to learn more. #BigKidsBiggerFeelings #ParentingTweens #EmotionalDevelopment #NeuroscienceofParenting #RespectfulParenting #ParentingJourney