Welcome to Speaking Tween!

I’m Dr. Leah Altemeier, a psychologist, parenting coach, and parent. I teach parents how to understand tween behavior and navigate this critical time in their child’s life.

Do you remember when you were a tween? I do, and I remember how it felt and why I didn’t want to talk to my parents about *all the stuff.* And because of that, I wasted many years not understanding that (1) my feelings were both normal and changeable and (2) there were ways to speak up for myself and to manage my relationships better.

Research shows that this generation has it even worse than prior generations. There is a stress epidemic in our country and our world. Parents are stretched thin, and providers are difficult to find and with long waitlists. But the needs of our tweens and teens can’t wait.

In this blog, my goal is to help parents use tools of a therapist to help their tween deal with stress, anxiety, and peer relationships. This can help protect kids as they enter adolescence and the risks that accompany the teenage years. What are the tools of the therapist? Knowledge of tween development, successful techniques for stress and anxiety management using both the mind and the body, and communication skills to help tweens feel safe enough to open up and partner with you on ways to move forward.

Each week, I will post helpful information about helping your tween. I will also be recording my posts under a podcast for those who prefer to listen.

In the comments section, feel free to share any topics you’re looking for around parenting your tween. If you want to learn more, you can visit me at speakingtween.com.

Here’s to getting the conversation started!