9 – 11

PRETEEN

Parenting tips for ages 9 – 11

Preteens want more independence while still needing active guidance. Involve them in decisions and keep the door open for difficult conversations.

WHAT MATTERS NOW

Three priorities for this stage

Use these as a compass, not a scorecard. Small routines repeated consistently are more useful than trying to change everything at once.

Shift toward coached independence

Discuss games, chats and peer influence openly

Protect sleep, movement and one-to-one connection

EXPLORE BY TOPIC

Guidance for everyday family life

Choose a topic to open its full guidance here, without leaving this age-group experience.

Digital habits

Notice what technology does to the day

Self-awareness is the first step toward self-management.Explore this topic 02

Screen-time balance

Use a balance check, not only a stopwatch

Consider content, context and what the screen is replacing.Explore this topic 03

Online safety

Practise privacy before social accounts

Rehearse how to respond before an uncomfortable message arrives.Explore this topic 04

Gaming, social media & AI

Make online play safer without dismissing it

Understand why the game matters while keeping chats and spending safe.Explore this topic 05

Sports & activity

Support consistency without pressure

Encouragement, choice and room to improve protect enjoyment.Explore this topic 06

Sleep & bedtime

Protect sleep from late-night digital drift

Charging and notification rules reduce pressure to stay connected.Explore this topic 07

Family time

Schedule one-to-one time

Connection is easier when it is regular and not triggered only by problems.Explore this topic 08

Emotional wellbeing

Make room for mixed feelings

Preteens may want independence and reassurance at the same time.Explore this topic 09

Learning & focus

Teach planning instead of becoming the planner

Break work down, then gradually transfer ownership.Explore this topic 10

Friendships & responsibility

Discuss belonging, pressure and responsibility

Rehearse how to disagree, leave and ask for help.Explore this topic

ONE THING TO TRY THIS WEEK

Ask your child to teach you one thing about a favourite app or game—without correcting them during the demonstration.

Keep it light, notice what changes and adjust together.