As a child, his father was often away obtaining a degree, while his mother stayed at home to care for him and his sister Myla. Dirnt excelled in school, despite often missing classes as a result of various illnesses attributed to his biological mother's drug use. After an argument between his parents led to a call to the police, the couple divorced. His mother and sister moved to Rodeo, California, while he stayed in El Sobrante, California, with his father. However, missing his mother, he eventually moved in with her and Myla. Having been previously described as bright and fearless, Dirnt became sullen and withdrawn after the divorce.