11 year old son with attitude! normal? advice pls.

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Hi there,

This is my first post. I have an 11 year old boy who recently started secondary school. Over the last few months he has developed a real attitude - he answers back, is adamant he is right all the time and can be very rude. Most of the time he is a wonderful and happy boy but he seems to be having the mood swings of a teenager. If he doesn't get his own way he stomps and shouts and tells me he hates me and I don't care about him.

Is this typical with 11 year olds? Unsure if it is hormones as he is quite a small lad, no body hair or odour yet, although has started to get the odd facial spot. Thoughts and advice gratefully received thanks :)

yes, normal, hormones, big school

I've got one as well

sigh

I try to pick my battles, treat as a toddler (ignore what I can, praise where I can) and exercise, outdoors is still v v important for running off energy/testosterone bursts

Thanks BoysAreLikeDogs (love the username!). It is nice to know I am not alone. I am also a big fan of burning off energy - we went to the park for a big run around today for exactly this reason! We're very active anyway. I also make sure we spend time doing fun things together so he gets enough attention and is happy.

It's just such a nightmare when he gets into this mood. Lots of huffing and puffing and saying things like 'sheesh' when I ask him to do things (usually 3 or 4 times).

Anymore advice would be great...

We get 'jeeeez' instead of 'sheesh'. DS is 12 and sounds v similar. I once 'ruined his life' when he couldn't have a bar of chocolate.

I ignore it mainly, presume it's an annoying part of growing up and the start of the teenage years......