While tweens are almost teenagers, they are still children. The biggest risk for pre-teens is losing their connection with their parents while struggling to find their place and identity with their peers. The biggest risk for parents is parenting with power discipline strategies instead of relationship-building, thus eroding the bond and losing influence over their teen. Parenting tweens is tough because hormones kick when puberty approaches. The pressures of the peer group magnify. Many moms and dads react to their tween's moodiness, focus outside the family, increasing independence and maturing physical body by distancing themselves from their child. But tweens need to feel they have a secure nest as they launch themselves into the exciting but scary world. Kids who feel disconnected from their parents lose their anchor and look for it in their peer group. Maintain a strong bond with your child, even while you encourage age-appropriate freedom. How?