The middle school years, the ages between 11 and 14, are some of the most critical years in your child's development.
This stage, known as the "tween" stage because they are not children anymore but they're not quite teenagers, plays a large part in your child's identity formation.
During these ages, children start to more deeply pursue their interests, develop deeper relationships, shape their personality, and construct their self-esteem.
Creating a positive and healthy environment for your tween can largely influence their adolescence.
One way to foster a positive environment is to get them reading tween books.
Reading for all ages is intellectually, emotionally, and mentally beneficial.
Beyond the knowledge and skills that your children gain from reading books, they also learn more about themselves.
Tweens need to feel accepted and validated if they are to have a high self-esteem.
Reading books with characters that they can relate to can help tweens feel that they aren't alone.
As they go through the struggles of school, relationships, and family, they can see how other tweens dealt with similar issues and how they are overcoming them.
Because tweens are at such a unique age, children's books and adult books may not quite meet their needs as tween books can.
As a parent, make sure the books your child reads are appropriate.
You could even read the tween books along with your child and have mini book clubs where you talk about them.
Children are taught by example, so model reading yourself and you will encourage it in your children.