Is my 13-year-old's attitude normal?

Question

My son is thirteen years old and has recently starting having an attitude about everything from me asking him to do chores to just life in general. It seems that everything I do or say or ask is just the stupidest thing I could have said. He doesn't disrespect me, but I have noticed that he's meaner to his younger stepbrother. I know that this kind of behavior is a normal part of puberty/growing up, but sometime I take it personally. Will he grow out of out?

Answer 1

:) If it is 'normal mean' and rebelious within reason i do not think you should worry....It will go away at some point by the time he's 18-20 i think he'll be back to normal.
You might want to keep an eye on the relationship between him and his stepbrother.

Answer 2

About the chores attitude, I still whine about the chores.
And about the "everything I do or say or ask is just the stupidest thing I could have said," my mom still says she feels like this sometimes.
And about the " have noticed that he's meaner to his younger stepbrother," my mother still asks me if I think arguing with a 4 year-old [my sister] will get me anywhere... and I'm 18.

I'm not saying this to scare you, it is just that he is growing up and starting to think more independantly. He is also testing the waters, to see what you will do when he does certain things.

If he whines about chores, I'm sure you can find some way to explain why it is nesessary for him to do them... and just wait until he is old enough to have a "real" job and enjoy [I used to whine about cleaning the kitchen, and now that I have had a job at McDonalds for 2 years, I appreciate how easy I had it].

And while for now "everything I do or say or ask is just the stupidest thing I could have said," it gets better. My mom is now one of my closest friends. I may not always agree with her, but I respect her. And I don't think she is dumb, I just have my own opinions that don't always agree with hers.

And while I argue with my sisters, I love tham all, and as they get older [I also have a 15 year-old sister], my relationships have improved.

I hope this helps a bit, and I hope your son doesn't drive you too crazy :)

Answer 3

He will definitely grow out of it. The question is will you come out of this with all your hair. LOL. As a mother of 4, I have gone through this twice and after both of my teenagers turned 15, we became best friends and we laughed about alot of their attitudes at that age. The main thing is to let this guy know that you are ALWAYS there to talk to when he needs you, and truly be there and don't pass judgement on him at ANY time. I have two more to go thru, my second son is 9 and my second daughter is 5, so, I may be asking you this question in another 4 yrs. Just be sure to enjoy him everyday, because my 18 yr old died in June and I miss him terribly. Luckily, I was always there for him when he needed me and he knew that to the very end. Good Luck and God Bless You!!!

Answer 4

Yes he will but to save your sanity and keep family peace - observe the things that your 13 yr old likes to do and the times that he is more relaxed and more receptive and see if you possible merge these together and also research about the physical aspects that his body is going through to help u better understand and also the psychological aspects as well. If u have any type of faith - apply it - and watch his behavior - notice patterns of periods where he is excessively moody or mean. This is a good time to review the 'talk' with him and to discuss the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Brush up on teen related topics and interests as well.

Answer 5

There is no normal attitude for a thirteen year old. We just have to take what we can get and we never know what it will be from day to day. Especially when they are just coming into their teens, they are struggling with various hormones that do effect their moods. Eventually I have heard that the attitude subsides; however, it is something we parents have to deal with. I find reflecting on my kids when they were little and all the cute things they did helps me to deal with them when they are teenagers and their heads are spinning!!!

Answer 6

His hormones are changing and he's getting older. Right now he is just testing his boundaries. He's trying to see what his limit will be. First, if he isn't doing as he is told, are you punishing him. Spanking? I am a fan of corporal punishment cause I had it as a child and I turned out just fine. I've never been in trouble and I graduated valedictorian. He needs to know how much you'll put up with. If you aren't into spanking, try taking away stuff, like computer, cellphone, telephone, cd player, radio. Anything he enjoys, take it away. That way he'll know that you aren't gonna put up with his behavior.

Answer 7

Teens are never normal. When you were a kid, didn't you do things that your parents thought were out of the norm or against the authority figure? You just have to do what you feel is good parenting and maybe start giving a little more freedom slowly over time if he's willing to agree to your terms.

Answer 8

Funny you should say 13...studies have shown 14 to be the roughest age for parents and children alike.
His attitude is normal, the important part is how you deal with. Don't let him get away with things you normally wouldn't. Just because he seems unhappy doesn't mean it's your fault.

Answer 9

Yes. I was like that when I was a young teenager. Totally normal teenager stuff. You think you know everything and don't have to take $hit from no one.
He will grow out of it
In the mean time sit tight because it takes a while.

Answer 10

let him know it hurts your feelings. he will probably roll his eyes at you and tell you whatever or something like that but he will hear you and yes he will grow out of it. In the meantime, give him a little more responsiblity and a little more privlidges that go along with being a teen. stick to your guns if you threaten a punsihment if he gets out of line do what you said you would or he will walk all over you