how old are pre teens
Pre-teens, also known as pre-adolescents, are individuals who fall between the ages of nine to twelve years old. This stage of development is considered a transitional phase between childhood and adolescence. It is a time of great change, both physically and emotionally, as children start to develop their own identities and navigate their way through the complexities of the world around them. In this article, we will explore the unique characteristics of pre-teens, the challenges they face, and how parents and caregivers can support them during this crucial stage of development.
Physical Changes
One of the most significant changes that pre-teens experience is the onset of puberty. This is when their bodies start to develop physically, and they begin to experience visible changes such as growth spurts, the development of body hair, and changes in their skin. For girls, the first sign of puberty is usually the onset of menstruation, while for boys, it is the growth of facial hair and a deepening of their voice.
Apart from these external changes, there are also significant internal changes happening in the pre-teen’s body. The brain is developing at a rapid pace, and this can lead to heightened emotions and mood swings. Pre-teens may also experience an increase in appetite and a change in their sleeping patterns. These changes can be quite overwhelming for pre-teens, and they may struggle to understand what is happening to their bodies.
Emotional Changes
As pre-teens navigate their way through puberty and the physical changes that come with it, they also experience significant emotional changes. They may feel confused, anxious, and self-conscious as they try to make sense of the changes happening within them. This can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions, from feeling excited and happy one moment to feeling sad and angry the next.
During this stage, pre-teens may also start to develop a sense of self and become more aware of their individuality. They may start to question their beliefs and values and may even challenge authority figures such as parents and teachers. As they try to assert their independence, pre-teens may also struggle with peer pressure and may feel the need to conform to fit in with their peers.
Challenges Faced by Pre-Teens
The pre-teen years can be a challenging time for both parents and children. Pre-teens are caught between wanting to be independent and still needing guidance and support from their parents. This can lead to conflicts and power struggles as pre-teens try to assert their independence, and parents try to maintain control.
Another challenge that pre-teens face is the pressure to fit in with their peers. As they become more aware of their individuality, they may start to compare themselves to others and feel the need to conform to societal norms. This can lead to issues such as low self-esteem and body image issues, especially for girls, who may feel pressure to look a certain way.
Pre-teens may also struggle with their changing relationships, both with their peers and with their families. As they start to establish their own identities, they may drift away from childhood friendships and form new ones. This can be difficult for parents to witness, as they may feel that their child is growing apart from them.
Supporting Pre-Teens
As parents and caregivers, it is essential to understand the unique challenges that pre-teens face and provide them with the support they need to navigate through this stage successfully. Here are some ways you can support your pre-teen:
1. Communication is key
During this stage, it is crucial to have open and honest communication with your pre-teen. Create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to express their thoughts and feelings. Listen to them without interrupting and try to understand their perspective.
2. Help them understand the changes happening in their bodies
Pre-teens may feel overwhelmed and confused by the physical changes happening to their bodies. It is essential to educate them about puberty and reassure them that these changes are normal and a part of growing up.
3. Encourage healthy habits
During this stage of rapid development, it is crucial to encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene. These habits will not only help your pre-teen stay physically healthy but also support their emotional well-being.
4. Provide them with a safe and supportive environment
Pre-teens need a safe and supportive environment where they can express themselves without fear of judgment. Encourage them to pursue their interests and passions, and provide them with opportunities to explore their individuality.
5. Set boundaries and rules
As pre-teens try to assert their independence, it is essential to set clear boundaries and rules. This will help them understand their limits and learn to respect authority. However, it is also crucial to explain the reasoning behind these rules and give them some freedom within those boundaries.
6. Be patient and understanding
Pre-teens are going through a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally. It is essential to be patient and understanding with them, even when they may be difficult to deal with. Remember that they are still learning and growing, and they need your support and guidance more than ever.
7. Encourage positive self-esteem
Pre-teens may struggle with self-esteem and body image issues, especially as they compare themselves to their peers. As parents, it is crucial to reinforce positive self-esteem by praising their efforts and achievements, rather than focusing on their appearance.
8. Help them develop healthy coping mechanisms
During this stage, pre-teens may experience a range of emotions that they may not know how to deal with. Encourage them to express their feelings in healthy ways, such as through journaling, art or music. It is also essential to teach them healthy ways to cope with stress, such as deep breathing or going for a walk.
9. Seek professional help if needed
If you notice that your pre-teen is struggling with significant emotional or behavioral changes, it is crucial to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help your child navigate through these challenges and provide them with the tools to cope with their emotions in a healthy manner.
10. Be a positive role model
Pre-teens look up to their parents and caregivers, and they learn a lot from observing their behavior. Be a positive role model by practicing healthy habits, communicating openly, and managing your own emotions in a healthy way.
Final Thoughts
The pre-teen years can be a challenging time for both parents and children, but it is also a crucial stage of development. By understanding the unique challenges that pre-teens face and providing them with the support and guidance they need, we can help them navigate through this stage successfully and emerge as confident and resilient individuals. Remember to be patient, understanding, and to celebrate the small victories along the way. With the right support, pre-teens can thrive and reach their full potential.
how to clear chats on instagram
Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion active users worldwide. It is a great way to connect with friends, family, and even businesses, but sometimes, we may want to clear our chat history. Whether it’s for privacy reasons or to declutter our inbox, knowing how to clear chats on Instagram is essential. In this article, we will discuss the different methods you can use to clear chats on Instagram.
Method 1: Deleting Individual Messages
The first method to clear chats on Instagram is by deleting individual messages. This method is useful when you want to remove specific messages from a conversation. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device and log in to your account.
2. Go to your inbox by tapping on the “Paper Plane” icon in the top right corner of your screen.
3. Select the conversation that you want to clear.
4. To delete a specific message, tap and hold on the message until the options appear.
5. Tap on the “Delete” button and confirm by tapping “Delete” again.
6. The message will be removed from the conversation, and the chat will be cleared.
7. Repeat this process for all the messages you want to delete.
Method 2: Clearing the Entire Chat
If you want to clear the entire chat, including all the messages and media, there is a simple way to do it. Here’s how:
1. Follow the first three steps from the previous method.
2. Once you are in the conversation, tap on the “i” icon in the top right corner.
3. Scroll down and tap on “Clear Chat.”
4. A pop-up will appear, asking for confirmation. Tap on “Clear Chat” to proceed.
5. All the messages and media in that conversation will be deleted.
Method 3: Using the Archive Feature
Instagram has a feature called “Archive” that allows you to hide conversations without deleting them permanently. Here’s how you can use it to clear chats on Instagram:
1. Open the Instagram app and go to your inbox.
2. Swipe left on the conversation you want to clear.
3. Tap on the “Archive” button.
4. The conversation will be moved to the Archive folder, and it will no longer be visible in your inbox.
5. To access the Archive folder, go to your profile and tap on the “Menu” icon in the top right corner.
6. Select “Archive” from the options.
7. Find the conversation you want to clear and swipe left on it.
8. Tap on the “Delete” button.
9. The conversation will be permanently deleted.
Method 4: Deleting Conversations from the Archive Folder
If you have conversations in the Archive folder that you want to clear, you can delete them as well. Here’s how:
1. Follow the first six steps from the previous method.
2. Find the conversation you want to delete and swipe left on it.
3. Tap on the “Delete” button.
4. The conversation will be permanently deleted.
Method 5: Clearing Group Chats
If you are part of a group chat on Instagram and want to clear it, you can do so by following these steps:
1. Open the Instagram app and go to your inbox.
2. Tap on the group chat you want to clear.
3. Tap on the “i” icon in the top right corner.
4. Scroll down and tap on “Clear Chat.”
5. A pop-up will appear, asking for confirmation. Tap on “Clear Chat” to proceed.
6. All the messages and media in that group chat will be deleted.
Method 6: Using Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps available that claim to help you clear chats on Instagram. However, we do not recommend using them as they may compromise your account’s security and violate Instagram’s terms of service. It is always best to use the official methods provided by Instagram.
Method 7: Deleting the Conversation from the Other Person’s End
If you have sent a message to someone on Instagram, and you want to clear it from both ends, you can ask the person to delete the conversation from their end as well. Here’s how they can do it:
1. Open the Instagram app and go to their inbox.
2. Tap and hold on the conversation until the options appear.
3. Tap on the “Delete” button and confirm by tapping “Delete” again.
4. The conversation will be deleted from both ends.
Method 8: Disabling “Keep Messages”
Instagram has a feature called “Keep Messages,” which automatically saves all your messages unless you choose to delete them. If you want to clear your chats on Instagram, you can disable this feature. Here’s how:
1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
2. Tap on the “Menu” icon in the top right corner.
3. Select “Settings” from the options.
4. Tap on “Privacy.”
5. Scroll down and tap on “Messages.”
6. Toggle off the “Keep Messages” option.
7. All your future messages will be deleted automatically after 24 hours.
Method 9: Deleting the Conversation from the Web
If you access Instagram from your computer , you can also clear chats from there. Here’s how:
1. Go to Instagram’s official website and log in to your account.
2. Go to your inbox by clicking on the “Paper Plane” icon.
3. Select the conversation you want to clear.
4. Click on the “i” icon in the top right corner.
5. Scroll down and click on “Clear Chat.”
6. A pop-up will appear, asking for confirmation. Click on “Clear Chat” to proceed.
7. All the messages and media in that conversation will be deleted.
Method 10: Hiding Messages from Specific Users
If you want to hide messages from specific users without deleting them, you can use the “Restrict” feature on Instagram. Here’s how:
1. On the conversation, tap and hold on the message until the options appear.
2. Tap on “Restrict.”
3. The user will still be able to send you messages, but they will not be able to see when you are active or when you have read their messages.
In conclusion, there are various methods you can use to clear chats on Instagram. Whether you want to delete specific messages, clear entire conversations, or hide messages from certain users, Instagram has got you covered. It is essential to keep your chat history organized and decluttered to have a better experience on the platform. However, always remember to be cautious when using third-party apps and never share your login information with anyone. Happy chatting!