12 year old boys...

[JavaJackie]

Wowzers.

I expected the hormonal changes and mood swings and tender feelings from my dd when she turned 12, but not my sweet son. My sweet tenderhearted little boy that has now turned into a grumbling, complaining, emotional, defensive teen.

Help please... I have a feeling a pedicure and chocolate isn't going to ease this one!

[molly in cr]

You'll both get through it. It is a surprise, though, isn't it?

[Rachel Jane]

Feed him
Seriously.

When j got moody, I took him to the dr to see what was wrong since he was happy from the day he was born until that moment.

The dr told me not to talk to him until he had eaten in the mornings and to feed him protien regularly throughout the day. He also had us start giving him vitamins. I chose for both boys to be taking fish oils, which I believe helps even out temperament, as well.

[Cindy in CA]

12 was harder than 13 and so far 14 for us! The hormonal stuff and all the rapid growth is a lot for their bodies to endure.

I read these two books when my oldest was 12.

Yes, Your Teen is Crazy
Suddenly They're 13

Both books helped me be more understanding and learn how to deal.

Make sure he is getting lots of daily exercise. (really help gives a release to all the frustrations of this age)
Make sure he is eating well. They need to eat a lot!
Sleep! Sleep is huge. He will need a lot. Mine slept 12-13 hrs during the rapid growing time somewhere between 12-13.

Try not to get into power struggles with him. When he is in a mood let him be. Don't try to reason with a 12 yo in a mood, wait till it passes. (it will, sometimes in minutes).

Take time outs from him when he is making you mad. Deal with him when you are both calm.

The first book I mentioned is available through the library. The other I ordered cheap from Amazon. ( it is Christian in nature)

Both books were recommended to me here from CJ! Very,very helpful.

When he wants to talk, be there, be present, mostly listen. They really need to feel the unconditional love when everything is playing havoc in their bodies.

I hang out with my teen at bedtime for about a hour or more. We talk a lot at this time of night. It is a sweet time and we are very very close. We also take long walks together. Great time to share in the exercise and talk.

For me 12 was the hardest so far. 13 was good and 14 has been wonderful!

HTH,

[Melissa Crabtree]

I have a friend whose son is just starting this. Her doctor said that the hardest part to deal with is the overload of testosterone in his body. He said to make sure to be giving him lots of physical outlets to deal with that part of the changes. I've also heard of RJ's experience - a high protein diet is helpful.