January 29, 2017 MY LITTLE BROTHER IS TURNING INTO A BIG JERK!!! Dear Brandon, I’m worried about my little brother. He used to be super sweet when he was little, but now that he’s twelve, he’s become SUPER annoying!! I’ve tried talking to him, but he frustrates me to the point that I want to yell at him, and by then I know he isn’t listening! I haven’t really told my parents about this because I think I might be acting too protective. But I can’t help it. He’s my little brother! What should I do? Big Sister Of a Little Jerk Hey Big Sister Of a Little Jerk, Aaaawww. First of all, I think it’s really sweet that you’re protective of your brother. 🙂 You said he’s twelve years old. That’s a HUGE clue to me. The good news is, I know what happened to your brother’s personality. The bad news…there’s nothing you can do about it. So, here it is: puberty. Yup. You might not like to think about it, but twelve is prime going-into-puberty age for a boy. It seems like we mostly talk about physical changes that puberty brings—his voice changing, acne, body hair, etc. But there are social and emotional changes, too. While his body is changing, he’s in this weird in-between stage of not feeling like a kid any more, but definitely not being an adult yet either. It’s frustrating. I’m sure you felt that when you went through puberty, too. And all that frustration and uncertainty can sometimes get dumped on the people closest to you. I’m not saying it makes it okay. But all the wild and crazy hormones bouncing all over the place can make a boy moody and even aggressive. He might not want to hang out with you like he used to. He might even snap at you. It’s a bummer. But it’s totally normal. And while he might not be so awesome to be around, he actually needs your love and support more than ever. I WISH I’d had a big sister when I was first going through puberty. Here are some things that can help the mood swings of puberty. As his sister, they’re not really within your control, but they are things you could encourage him to do and/or model doing yourself. Regular exercise/fresh air: If he’s not already getting out and moving, maybe you can suggest you guys go outside and toss a football, shoot some hoops, go for a run, ride your bikes, or walk the dog. Enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is key, and probably the thing you have least control over in someone else. But, you could still model good sleeping habits. Fun projects –It could be building a tree house or snow fort, mastering a video game, or exploring the woods. Having a project to get involved in is a great distraction. Maybe you could suggest a project you could work on together. Talking to someone you can trust: This is one you CAN help with—if he’ll let you. But if you’re always losing your temper with him, you’re probably not the first person he’ll turn to. So when he’s being super annoying, take a deep breath, count to ten, and try to cut him a little slack. Hormones are a huge pain, after all. I hope that helps. And, I think you should talk to your parents. They’ve probably been noticing the changes in your little brother, too. They might have some ideas. After all…they’re going through it with you. Do any of you out there have a wacky sibling? How do you deal with him or her?
Kittydog says February 18, 2017 at 9:28 pm My brother is so fatherly! Today, after i told him to stop being my dad, “ewww, why would i want to be your dad! Your such a disgrace to this family anyways!” What do i do!?!?!?!? Pls help
fasco says February 17, 2017 at 3:03 pm nice advice u know wat just pretend ur bro is not tere it will work
Love the dork daries says February 16, 2017 at 4:47 pm I have a very annoying little 6 year old sister and she is not listening to a thing I say even if it is important
i love dork diaries:) says February 15, 2017 at 8:24 pm you can’t stop how your little brother acts. you can’t really help puberty. you just have to wait until he gets out of his puberty phase
Kitty Cat says February 15, 2017 at 5:40 pm People change when they get older. That’s normal, and you’ll probably experience things like that often in your life.
Indy Car Driver says February 15, 2017 at 9:45 am Ugh. I totally know how you feel. My little brother showed my parents my diary. So know even my 4 year old sister knows who I like.
Anonymous says February 14, 2017 at 9:45 pm Hi I love your books one two my sister is SUPER annoying and rude and so is my brother they are both twelve. They are so MEAN!!!! They think they are adults but they are not. It so unfair!!! They get to go anywhere with there friends and since I am younger than them I get there hand me downs. Arg!! I am so mad at them!!
TheTalentedShorty says February 14, 2017 at 11:38 am OMG! Why do I seem to relate to all you guys! I have a younger wacky brother too! except this one is 6 years younger to me! And my parents want me to be the third parent and take care of him! It’s beyond exhausting!
MissKnowITAll says February 13, 2017 at 5:40 am Hang in there!!! There’s nothing you could really do!!! I have both a younger sister and brother and there annoying sometimes too!!! But it’s so nice that you watch over your brother!!!