DS has turned into Kevin the Teenager!

[AmICrazyorWhat2]

Somewhat lighthearted, but I'd also appreciate advice on how to deal with the sudden onset of "Kevinish" behaviour!

DS (12) started puberty in early summer (visibly at least) and has morphed into a completely different being from a year ago. He used to be laid-back and generally a nice child to be around - his teachers specifically mentioned his kindness towards other children if someone was hurt or upset. He might still be nice at school...but he's being horrible at home!

Everything is a battle unless it's something he really wants to do; he's been verbally unkind to me (later apologises), has to be nagged to shower, tidy up, do his schoolwork (although he's fine once he gets going) and has generally turned into Kevin.

How do I handle this? DD(15) is argumentative sometimes, but has never been as stubborn as him, he's fighting everything. I'm just blindsided by the metamorphosis!

Same! It’s ridiculous. Mine is literally just moody and rejects me all day everyday no matter what I do. But he’s a good kid generally so I try to remember it’s normal part of his development. He’s almost 14. We know that the kind lovely kid is in there somewhere lol we just need to try and not take it personally. That’s not to say I don’t sometimes have a little cry about it

I made mine sit down and watch some Kevin & Perry sketches. Now if he starts I go full on Kevin at him.

It works.

I've felt like crying a couple of times, @Mumofboys109, he's so nasty sometimes and I miss my nice boy!

He's seen some Kevin clips and thinks they're funny, but I don't think he sees the parallels with himself.

Thanks to you both, good to know we're not alone!

Yes I do too. I laughed out loud when we go to friends and he turns into Perry when he is being all polite and “hello mrs” with them.. I think hello? Why do I get all the moaning and resistance?

Definitely not alone. My almost 13 yr old dramatically altered during lockdown, he used to be such good company & we had similar sense of humour etc, now often speaks to me like I'm something he's scraped off his shoe. It is heartbreaking but all part of the growing up process I guess.

I feel your pain..my Ds is nearly 13 and pretty vile most of the time. Just told me he hates me actually as I told him it's time for bed.

After several months of this I saw a miraculous improvement when I offered a small financial reward for niceness. Shameful.

I have 13 year old Kevin and I feel all your pain. He literally does that thing where he huffs and throws his arms about shouting and huffing. It’s all very wearing. He does have his lovely moments but otherwise it’s just Hard Work.

I have an 11 year old too who used to be THE sweetest boy EVER. He’s literally becoming Kevin right in front of my eyes

Thankfully I also have an 8 year old who’s still super cute. For now

I have two 14 year old boys, so empathise!

My DD16 was a total female Kevin from the second she turned 12 and wow it has been a hard few years. However, now she's in 6th form, she's suddenly changed back to my lovely girl. I got a voluntary hug and a "thanks mum" the other day when I made her a sandwich So hang in there, your nice kid will return. DS12 is entering the Kevin phase and I'm fully braced....

Omg. This is terrifying.

I have a Kevin too 😂 he is 13 near Christmas. He goes from wanting cuddles to full on Kevin strops. We have shown him the Kevin videos (he did find them funny) and when he starts in a full on tizz - I pretend I'm Perry and it does help!

DS had football today and a friend texted to say that her DS (13) on the same team was refusing to get out of bed and she just couldn’t face another battle.😂. I felt so sorry for her....of course, this boy is always so polite and Perry-like to me, but not at home!

We had a Kevin moment yesterday when I bought him new shoes.
Me- I got you new school shoes
Him- grunting thanks
Me- try them on now so we know they fit
Him- eye rolling oh Ffs!!
(Snatching them off the table)
He then without even undoing the shoes or even bending down started jabbing his feet into them. Honestly it was hilarious actually 😂

Sunday: they’re fine whatever
Monday: these are literally unwearable why did you buy them

As long as your Kevin is a Perry at school or with other people, you must remember you are doing a good job of parenting. You will all be rewarded with nice lads eventually!