This post is sponsored by Tiny Toast at Kroger. All opinions expressed here are my own.

#TinyToastCereal #Kroger

Three Ways I Support Independence in my Tween

It feels so weird to say that I have tween’s! My memories of my boys in diapers and me pushing them around in a double stroller are so vivid in my mind just like they happened yesterday. The two of them are 18 months apart, now 9 and 10, and coming into their own as tweenagers. I’d like to keep them small forever, but that’s just not possible. Since they are growing I’ve had to learn to loosen the reigns a little. They have developed their own personalities, likes, and dreams and I want to help cultivate them as much as possible. Allowing them to be more independent also helps me too as a mom. It frees up some of the time that I would have otherwise spent tending to the boys.

Here are some ways that I support their independence as they grow: 

1. Letting them make important decisions – My oldest son has expressed his serious interest in wanting to become a race car driver. Of course as a mother, I don’t think it’s the safest job in the world and I actually fear for his well-being. I’m sure as a ten year old, he may change his mind a few times, but I have let go and support his decision. He studies as much as he possibly can about different races, how cars are built, and he knows the names of a lot of prominent race car drivers. If he doesn’t become a professional driver, I’m still proud that he’s shown such a keen interest in something on his own.
2.  Praise them when they’ve taken chances – Last summer my son injured himself pretty bad on his roller blades. A few days ago was the first time he wore them again since his accident. He was afraid to do it, but I let him know that I was very proud of him for trying skating again even after he hurt himself. He can’t wait to go back to the skating rink. 
3. Let them make their own breakfast – If anyone knows me, then they know I am really particular about the kids being in my kitchen. It’s taken a lot for me to say it’s okay, and reassure myself that the kitchen will be in tact once they’re done. I’m now allowing both of the boys to make their own breakfast from time to time during the week.

We pick up Tiny Toast at our local neighborhood Kroger. It comes in two flavors, Strawberry and Blueberry.

A lot of times I’ve passed on cereal for breakfast because of it’s high sugar content, but Tiny Toast only has 9 grams of sugar and no high fructose corn syrup. I feel good knowing that my kids won’t be overly excited after eating it and Tiny Toast has no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources. I even like to have a bowl! 

My boys can easily make Tiny Toast cereal for breakfast, and grab a piece of fruit and they’re good. I know that my kitchen is still clean and I’ve given them some of the independence they need as they grow. 

You can find Tiny Toast for your tween at your local Kroger in the same aisle as the cereal. Use THIS COUPON to save on your purchase of Tiny Toast during your next shopping trip to Kroger. 

What are some ways you support independence in your tween? 

Ashley