I have son, nestled between two girls. If you know us in real life you will know that Dylan is much quieter than his louder, more outgoing sisters. He is my sensible, well behaved little man. He is however a typical 12 year old boy and I have spotted 12 ways that you know you are a parent to a 12 year old boy!
- They are never tired. Like never ever. Even when sitting rubbing their eyes, yawning or even being grumpy because you know they are tired. If you ask them ‘no they are not’ and besides ALL their friends go to bed later than them.
- They are always hungry but there is never any nice food in the house. This applies no matter what food is in the house as it is never what they are searching the cupboards for.
- Clothes shopping is hell on earth. They want ‘nice’ clothes but have no idea what nice consists of or where you can get it from. This one I do feel sorry for them for as they want things from Hollister, Jack Wills, Superdry etc yet it doesn’t actually fit them yet. It is all about labels, they don’t want supermarket clothes.
- Therefore they stick to three or four key items and expect them to always be available. This may mean buying more than two pairs of the same joggers in the same style and same size, You may get away with a different colour logo but that is about all.
- Going into their room is like stepping into another realm, a dark and cluttered pit in other words.
- Hair gel is adored and often more valued than shower gel or deodorant. 12 yr old boys seem to just add more and more gel on top of existing gel.
- 12 year olds crave more freedom, they may start going out further afield with friends. Dyl recently asked to go to town with his mates. We said yes – then he asked what you do when you are in town with your friends!!
- They like to challenge everything. Everything that you ask them to do. Can you put the bins out? Why – I’m doing homework. Have you had your medication – No I am having it later.
- They have questionable approach to hygiene. They wash when they decide and only on their terms. Shampoo may or may not be used.
- They become more expensive, they often get a mobile at this age, those clothes get more expensive due to the tiny labels and logos embroidered on. Those trips with friends starting costing and they want financial rewards when things are going well and they get a good report.
- When no-one is looking they secretly still like a hug from mum
- This stage will pass – much like weaning or sleeping through the night your late tween will soon pass through to teenage years and then things will become calmer once more!
Do you agree with my 12 ways you know you have a 12 year old boy? Have you anything to add?
7 Responses
Brilliantly accurate post Emma !
I do agree although my 15 year old still does some of these things and more, not seeming any calmer here yet!
I only have two girls so can not add to this but it made me laugh when you said that he asked to go into town with friends and then enquired what you then do when you are in town with your friends. It reminded me of how I used to beg to be allowed to go out with my friends on an evening and then I used to be allowed out we just spent it hanging around on street corners as we didn’t know what to do. Very boring but of course we didn’t admit that as that wouldn’t be cool 🙂
This made me chuckle. Mine are well past this now at 15 and 18 and their bedrooms are very dangerous places to be!
Haha I too have a 12 year old boy and recognise so many of those – though luckily mine is still tidy! (Unlike me!!)
It’s been a while since I had a 12 year old but this really does ring true x
I remember being very excited about turning 12. Turning 12 was a big deal, you can get your hunting license at 12.