tween

Olivia seemed to relate to her body in the same way as her tween friends.

Social media trends often encourage tweens to experiment with cosmetics that are inappropriate for their skin type or age, so parents need to look carefully at ingredient labels before buying, said Sam Cutler, founder of Beverly Hills-based tween skin-care brand Petite ’n Pretty.

A manufactured sweater that says “Naughty List: Your Mom” on it has more in common with the humor of a tween boy than it does with the original spirit of the tradition.

Dr. Sohil Sud, director of the state’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, described the tween and teen years as “a time with increased emotional sensitivity and a strong desire for validation by peers,” where uniform rules at schools are more likely to be successful.

Like many a self-respecting tween, Melody Brooks has a thing or two to say about this and that, and a need to be heard.