They roll their eyes. Talk back. Say something sharp that hits way too hard. Or storm off after doing the thing you asked... for once. It feels rude. Disrespectful, even. But so often? It’s not about you. It’s a brain under construction. A nervous system trying to keep up. At 12, they want more independence, but don’t yet have the skills to manage it.So the tone gets louder than the behavior. They do the thing, but make sure you know they didn’t like it. This is pushback, not rejection. It’s development, not defiance. Understanding what’s underneath helps you stay grounded when it gets loud. My book, Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, is your guide to navigating this stage with more clarity, calm, and connection. 💬 Comment BOOK to preorder now. 📌 Seeing this in your 12 year old? Save to revisit later. #BigKidsBiggerFeelings #ParentingTweens #ChildDevelopment #MiddleChildhoodMatters #SeedAndSew #ParentingSupport #12YearOldBehavior #EmotionallyIntelligentParenting #NormalizeTheMessyMiddle #ConnectedParenting #RaisingResilientKids