"Inheriting" a 12 year old boy, what to expect?

[H1ghw4y61revisited]

My 12y/o brother is moving to live with me in the new year. He's been living with my older brother for the last year or so, although he's come to stay with me for one weekend most months in that time. He'll be permanently with me from January, and the panic is slightly setting in (I'm in my 20's and sometimes he seems like a foreign species to me)...anyone offer any pearls of wisdom/hints/tips. Things you think I should know but probably don't? All advice gratefully received

Cross posted on the hugging.

you and your brothers all sound lovely - lucky that you've got each other.

My only tips with 12 y/o boys are;

• not to rise to 'attitude'. As long as DS comes off screen/gets in the bath/comes to the table for dinner when asked (or pretty nearly), I pretend not to notice the huffs, sighs, mutters, chair crashing, or tone of voice. He can have the last word if he wants, I nod and smile.

• they generally seem very scatty and disorganised, and this appears to be a recognised neurological stage of development. PE kit lost or forgotten constantly, unable to plan their time, needs several reminders about what they're supposed to be doing. My DD at the same age was a complete contrast, but DS and his friends have short term memories like sieves. (this does not apply to youtube videos, which can be recalled and repeated in unbearable detail, especially when I am rushing to try to get us out of the house).

Sorry to hear about your parents passing. I've got a 12 yr old boy and he's in turns a delight and a pain in the arse.
He's def starting to go through puberty so be mindful of that coming up.
He'd love not to have to shower/use deodorant or wash in any form!
At that age I find he can be very funny and good company, but also can be really immature still.
Be more influenced by friends like eating higher certificate games, etc.
I don't know where you're based but there's a great charity called Grief Encounter that support under-18s who have lost parent(S). They've got a great website for resources too.