It’s typically between the ages of nine and twelve that our cute, cuddly little children, once so willing to climb into our laps and share their secrets, suddenly want little or nothing to do with us. A child in preadolescence is not the same person they were just a year or two ago. They have changed—physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially. They’re developing new independence and may even want to see how far they can push limits set by parents. Find out more about how you can stay close as your children move into their preteens. 10 Preteen Parenting Tips