Tweens can be extra sensitive at their age. They want to be seen as grown-ups, so they shy away from anything that might make them feel like kids. Going to the zoo, attending children’s parties, playing house or cops and robbers—these activities you used to do with them just last year would probably make them feel self-conscious now.

And like it or not, your tweens might unintentionally push you away for fear of being ridiculed by their friends.

So, does this mean that you have no choice but to stop spending time with your kids? Not necessarily. All you need to do is to change your idea of a good time to suit both your taste and your growing tweens'.

Scroll through the gallery for a few suggestions on bonding activities that your tweens won’t be embarrassed about.