Katie's Corner: Life as a 'tween' can be confusing Katie's Corner: Life as a 'tween' can be confusing (April 20, 2005)

By Katie Blankenberg

I have lived my entire 11 years in Menlo Park, and I love this area.

Menlo Park has a great sense of community, very involved parents, and a generally happy population who enjoys life's pleasures.

I attend St. Raymond Catholic School in Menlo Park, and have a great family, a cute dog, good friends, and a great school and church!

In this column I want to write about "tweens" -- people like me who are between the ages of 9 and 12.

Drawing on thoughts and experiences from tween kids and my own life, I'll talk about fun things, like the best place for tweens to shop, eat, etc., and also more serious issues, like the pressures of school, music lessons, sports and keeping your room clean all in the same day!
Tween time

The tween age is a confusing time. You are always either too young or too old.

Too big for kids' clothes, but too young to wear women's clothes. I have friends with feet big enough for women's shoes but they would look totally ridiculous in them. Who wants to wear their mother's Ferragamos?

Many tween girls want to imitate their favorite pop idol's fashion or figure. This can cause a lot of pressure for tween girls. It is better to be yourself, and not someone's clone.

The message is: "Be your own individual."

Instead of following the latest trend, start a new trend!

Katie Blankenberg, 11, lives in Menlo Park and attends St. Raymond School.

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