The tween years are a time of excruciating awkwardness, hormonally driven exploration, and newfound independence. But the uncomfortable bodily changes and door slamming is also cause for celebration. So pop in your retainer; we have inspiring stories and humble advice from former middle-schoolers who’ve made it through the turbulent tweens.
CH-CH-CHCHANGES
Perla Jasmin Luna celebrates her quinceañera at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Federal Way.
IS A RITE OF PASSAGE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Coming-of-age ceremonies are celebrated in cultures throughout Seattle. How do you say goodbye to childhood? by J I L L I A N O ’ C O N N O R / photo by J O S H U A H U S T O N
As our sweet little babies morph into surly teenagers before our eyes, how do we know when they are ready to take on real adult privileges and responsibilities? The first time they clean their room without being asked? The moment they sprout armpit hair? In cultures around the world, communities designate a certain age as the right time to come together and teach children the skills and values they’ll need to survive the transition into adulthood. For many, this takes the form of a traditional rite-of-passage celebration. We caught up with three local families who recently marked their child’s journey into adulthood with a cultural event — a Latino quinceañera, a Jewish bat mitzvah, and a Hindu bartaman — on how they made the most of the moment. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >
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