My brother is 13 and my sister is 12 years old and I have been amazed to watch them become more intelligent, funny, and wise each and every day. Having a significant age gap with my younger siblings gives me an opportunity to continually encourage and guide my already wonderful fam as they become adults.

So to my tweenage siblings:

1. Being a teenager will make you feel like you can fly sometimes. Remember to use your new found freedom to do good for yourself and others. Do not take advantage of what mom and dad tell you you can do. You can have fun, but you're not completely on your own yet.

2. Being a teenager will also make you feel like you can grow. This is good. Keep growing. You are not as good as you can be, but you are on your way.

3. Mom and Dad love you. Don't forget. They are probably the most annoying and seemingly limiting forces in your life, but they just are trying to make sure you make it to your twenties in one piece.

4. School is most important right now. You'll reference Darwin's theory of natural selection in every science class you take from here on out, so remember it. Try to understand what is happening in your classes and don't be afraid to ask your teachers why the information is important.

5. Actually, don't be afraid of most things. Besides sunburns and car accidents, taking most chances will not end in pain and disappointment. Join the team or the club. Find your people and have a blast. And if you don't, go home and give mom a hug. She is still your #1 fan even if you hate her most of the time.

6. Fights, relationships, friendships, etc. can find a way to bring drama and stress to you life. If someone does not make you happy or doesn't laugh at your jokes, they are not worth it. Refer to #5 and go home and hug mom.

7. Call your older siblings even if they are at college and it seems like they are too cool to care about your problems. Guess what? We do care and we do understand what you're going through. Middle school sucks. you are not alone.

8. Drink water and only water. You're only 13.

9. Call me when you're 16, then I will hook you up....maybe.

10. Don't ever feel like anything is the end of the world. You have so much more living and dreaming and crying and yelling and laughing to do. You have time to grow up and be serious. Brush it off. Chin up.