Written by TRI VANANDA Team

It's time to cultivate your tween's well-being through physical activity and proper nutrition.

What exactly is a tween?
The term "Tween" was coined in the late 1990s to describe a child between the ages of childhood and adolescence, or pre-teenager. Tweens range in age from 7 to 15 years old, depending on their physical puberty changes. Transfiguration may be accompanied by behavioral and mental changes that will necessitate your and your family's assistance.

Tween development
Aside from significant physical development, the tween years are also marked by cognitive growth, social development, an increase in curiosity, and an eagerness to explore new ideas. Outdoor activities and proper nutrition are essential for their proper development in all dimensions, including self-esteem.

Physical growth and development
Spending time outside improves one's fitness, agility, and stamina.

• Height; This is one of the most noticeable changes. Tweens grow about 6-7 centimeters taller each year. To strengthen the bones and joints in the lower body. Cycling, swimming, or jumping exercises such as basketball are all good options.
• Healthy heart; Because the heart is a muscle, aerobic activity, such as playing tag, running, biking, and sports, helps to stimulate blood circulation and keep it healthy. At least two hours of outdoor play per day can reduce stress, which is the root cause of heart disease and ADHD.

Cognitive advancement
Nature play stimulates the mind, which can improve concentration, creativity, and performance both inside and outside of the classroom.

• Creativity; Tweens prefer hands-on learning by doing activities. Building sandcastles, painting, and doing nature crafts all aid in their learning and encourage their creative thinking.
• Brain-Body cognition; Outdoor activities such as frisbee, soccer shooting, and tennis help to support eyes-hands coordination, which is the foundation of any performance.
• Problem-Solving Ability; The ability to identify the root cause of a problem and solve it quickly is required in the workplace. Scavenger hunts in the backyard, camping, and trekking boost critical thinking and confidence.

Outdoor activities require more imagination and teamwork
Outdoor activities, which makes tweens more kind and better interact with others.

• Be kind to themselves and others; Tweens are frequently influenced by social norms. As their physical appearance changes, they will begin to compare themselves to others, which may lead to low self-esteem. According to a report from the University of Essex, 5 minutes of a green activity – gardening, walking, fishing, or bird watching – can improve mood and self-esteem.
• Social skill; Learning outside the classroom develops social skills such as communication, patience, responsibility, and collaboration, which aid in connecting with others and building positive relationships.

Nutrition: Eating well makes tweens feel better physically and emotionally, allowing them to participate in more social activities.



References;
[1] Barton, Dr. Jo; Pretty, Professor Jules, 2010
[2] Aguiló-Pérez Emily R., 2017