Two products I use:
Ice Hair Spiker - Wicked Grip. It's a water-resistant styling glue. REALLY strong hold, which is good if he has thick hair like mine. It does look 'dry' by the end of the day but the hold is still there. About $10 for a 6oz tube (you don't need to use a lot of it) at MasterCuts
What I currently use:
American Crew Styling Gel - Firm Hold. A good styling gel and I like the results of it. Seems to last for awhile if you use enough (but don't use too much). About $10 for a 15oz bottle (says 80% more free on the front).
I would recommend taking him to a professional stylist at the mall (Mastercuts, etc.) for a haircut and see what they recommend...they deal with little punks
like him every day and should be able to recommend something for him specifically.
Hope this helps.