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Show Affection
Show Affection: Don't underestimate the value of saying and showing how much you love your preteen. Doing so ensures that your child feels secure and loved. And you're demonstrating healthy ways of showing affection. That said, your son or daughter may start to feel self-conscious about big displays of affection from you, especially in public. Your child may pull away from your hug and kiss, but it's not about you. Just reserve this type of affection for times when friends aren't around. And in public, find other ways to show that you care. A smile or a wave can convey a warm send-off while respecting boundaries. Recognize out loud your child's wonderful qualities and developing skills when you see them. You might say, "That's a beautiful drawing - you're really very artistic" or "You were amazing at baseball practice today - I loved watching you out there."
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