Do they calm down?

[LionsandBears]

I know I used to think 13-14 year old boys were the pits. Studies have shown that during adolescence our brains rewire to the point that we lose levels of compassion and self-control. Teenagers are self-absorbed for a reason - their brain is undergoing similar growth to toddlers. They need similar boundaries as 2 year olds.

A couple of other books you may find interesting include:
He'll Be Ok: Growing Gorgeous Boys Into Good Men, Celia Lashlie
The New Manhood, and Raising Boys, Steve Biddulph (apparently Raising Boys revised version includes more on teenagers)

GL - sounds like you're having a tough time atm.

[Lisa]

My son is 17 and still like this, although less violent toward his sister these days. I feel for you hun I love my son but often find myself missing who he once was. I look forward to the day when this is all over and he is more rational and has less of a temper.
Fingers crossed that day comes soon for both of our sons

[KimB]

My DS is the same. He turned 12 this year and omg has his attitude and temper ramped up. I have been tearing my hair out. I have read Raising Boys and it does explain quite a bit. Doesn't mean he is not due for a slap up the back of the head lol.

[Tinks]

I am SO relieved that he's not the only one.

You're right about hormones! I'm getting sick of them, yet I know this is only the beginning. Having 2 hormonal kids in this house is like a roller coaster and I don't like this ride!

Do you have any tricks or tips to help me get through it?

[Feijoa Mum]

I have two hormonal ones and two toddlers as well and I find copious amounts of vodka helps


Sorry love no magic cure here just lots of sympathetic hugs

[Tinks]

Oh dear FJ! You are a glutton for punishment!

I agree with the vodka. I'd put it on my cereal every morning if it wasn't illegal to drive under the influence

[Pip82]

As a teen my stepbrother would get sent for a run around the oval to clear his head, seemed to diffuse the situation.

[RainbowBrite]

I have two hormonal ones and two toddlers as well and I find copious amounts of vodka helps

I have the same but three toddlers...and it is cider here

My DS1 is nearly 15 and is the same, he can be a real bully to his younger brothers (8 and 10), they 'play' fight but the littler ones always end up in tears.
He is still polite and respectful to me and does listen (mainly when I yell) but I am having problems at school...he just doesn't care.
I think one of the underling issues for him is losing his dad last year...add hormone and your have a angsty (is that a word ) teenager.
My DD1 (16) is not to bad but she still screams at the others when they upset her.

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

Don't have a teenager, but work with them and have had theories coming out of my ears while I studied (just finished).

Other people have posted about exercise and that's great. If you can use some form of disciplined exercise even better - teamworking skills get built too. So going for a run is great for training, but sports like football build extra skills as well as exercise off the extra hormones. Gymnastics and dance are two other alternatives to ball sports. Martial arts can offer this and can be a good release for aggression, but maybe teaching teens to hit better isn't the best thing for everyone. Even group aerobics can encourage a group/team mentaility.

Sex hormones are steroid hormones, remember, so no wonder they go loopy. They do need an acceptable release.