For those of you who have or have had boys go through puberty, are the wild mood swings and drama typical? I knew that girls started with weird hormonal stuff in late elementary school, but I wasn't prepared to go through it (yet) with my son. DS is 10.5 y/o and just started 5th grade. He has always been my *easy* kid--very polite, gets along with everyone, good grades, etc. He still is basically that kid, but he's moody, at times sullen, then he can be very silly. He also gets his feathers ruffled much more easily and has been blowing up at his brother and calling names much more recently. Is this typical pre-puberty behavior? Does it get worse before it gets better? Would appreciate any pearls of wisdom from BTDT moms---or those who are there with me now. Thanks!

By Happynerdmom on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 10:06 am:

I'm with you now, Pam. My ds turned 11 in March, and I also have noticed a big change. It probably started about the middle of 5th grade. (He starts 6th next week.) He was always easy going and respectful, but now that isn't always so...and it does seem to be some kind of hormonal swing or something. I also would appreciate any pearls of wisdom...

By Dawnk777 on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 08:38 pm:

I only have sisters and only bore daughters, so I'm not sure at all what boys go through. It sounds similar to what my girls have gone through, though, with the moodiness! LOL! Especially with "easily ruffled feathers!"

By Bobbie~moderatr on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 08:49 pm:

I am going through it too. DS is 12, it started about mid year when he was 10. His feelings are easily hurt, he gets angry really easy and he takes comments made out of context. His moods swing from silly/happy to near tears/angry with out warning. I think it is a normal behavior for a teen boy. I see it in a many of his friends. DD is 15 and DS does exhibit many of the things I went through with her. LOL Must be the puberty.

By Momaroze on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 09:57 pm:

Ds is 13, not much change in his behavior as of yet except for being a little defiant. He's matured quite a bit over the Summer.

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 07:48 am:

Boys go through it too. *Mr. Angry Hormone* comes to mind........and if the person who first mentioned that particular description to me is reading, thanks! ROFL

They ALL get moody at that age. Jeff has always been my sweet, outgoing, loyal, fun child. When he was that age he was intolerable. Couldn't stand to be around him, grumpy, sullen, angry. It passes.

There's a reason we live through teenagers......and it's grandchildren! LOL

By Happynerdmom on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 11:14 am:

Thanks, Karen. Glad to know it passes!

By Janet on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 03:37 pm:

Funny, I didn't know boys got moody! LOL I have 2 girls, and always envied the moms of "easy" boys. Guess we all have our trials, right?

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 08:18 pm:

Janet, I've raised 2 of each, and although the girls ARE worse with the hysterics and crying, etc., the boys go through it too. Theirs is a little different, they have a bit more anger in my experience, but it DOES pass!!!!!!! Sooner or later they all become *human beings* again. :-)