That is such a tricky age. They need boundaries but they need to gain independence and form their own likes and dislikes. I think a clear set of expecations in regard to respect - how they talk and treat their parents and siblings is important. I also feel like this is a time where they will make mistakes, be hormonal and emotional and need our unconditional love and support. Good luck!

Tween and teen years are rough, I am not going to sugar coat it. Probably the least favorite parenting stage for me. It is such a tumultuous time. Think back to your own adolescents. Was it all peaches and cream. I doubt it. It is a time of such drastic change. Our bodies change, our tastes change, our friends change, we face peer pressure, have a desire to fit in and be accepted, we are learning about all kinds of new feelings and emotions and our lives are a mess. Seek a counselor if needed to help you communicate better and keep those lines open. Understand though there will be many bumps and you will get your feelings and ego hurt a lot by your own child who you will think hates you at times. Try and do some reading about the challenges of raising tweens and teens and perhaps connect with a support group online or in person so you can see you are not alone. Good luck.

Tweens. My daughter had depression problems mostly because we lived in different states & I hardly got to see her. She still takes antidepressants today. My son rebelled & hung out with the bad kids. I still made him come to church with me & I think that made a big difference in helping him thru the rough times. He dealt with severe anger issues.

I think schools, teachers and counselors are more keen on recognizing problems too with depression or anxiety in tweens and teens than years ago so that is an improvement. As someone in this thread mentioned there may be a benefit from either natural solutions or medication if necessary for tweens and teens suffering from clinical depression, suicidal ideations, anxiety etc.  

The other thing I just want to say here is that you know this is an age where drinking, drug use etc starts to happen. I wonder how much of that is from peer pressure vs the adolescent self medicating to numb some of the feelings or pain they are experiencing.  A way to just turn it off and not deal with life and all its changes.