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Teenagers

AIBU not to go chase him out of his headphone-mancave?

17 replies

LifeIsGoodish · 21/09/2016 20:24

16yo ds disappears into his bedroom and his sound-cancelling headphones for hours at a time at every opportunity.

In our house the 'cook' calls for everyone to come and eat, and you're expected to stop what you're doing and come to the table. We might give a 5min warning, or call people a bit earlier than necessary so that they can clear/lay the table.

Ds obviously cannot hear us call.

He knows that we generally start eating some time between 6.30 and 7.00, and has agreed to come down and find out around that time. If he doesn't, AIBU not to go upstairs and talk to him directly, but to just go ahead with the meal without him?

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SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 21/09/2016 20:28

Utterly reasonable, IMO!

I've had this problem with my teenagers - and got sick of yelling up the stairs for them.

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EmmaMacgill · 21/09/2016 20:31

I got sick of yelling at mine, now I send a text! Grin

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MyballsareSandy2015 · 21/09/2016 20:32

I'd go and get him, just so that you actually get some time together round the table while he's still willing.

I've no issues with my teens doing their thing and wanting their space but it's nice to see them for meals now and then.

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MrsDmitriTippensKrushnic · 21/09/2016 20:43

Wouldn't work for me as it's the DCs joint chore to set the table for dinner, so not coming down to do it isn't on, but if it works for you then go for it. I think I'd also eventually get a bit peeved with them wandering down to eat when they felt like it rather than with everyone else if they didn't remember to come down and check.

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LifeIsGoodish · 21/09/2016 20:44

When dh gets home in time to for us all to eat together, he switches the router off at 7pm. Does the trick!

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LifeIsGoodish · 21/09/2016 20:45

MrsDimitri, if he's not down in time to help with laying etc, then he gets to do the dishes after.

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museumum · 21/09/2016 20:52

Send him an IM

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specialsubject · 22/09/2016 10:09

He ignores you - return the favour. A couple of nights.unfed should do the trick.

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Meadows76 · 22/09/2016 10:11

I just message mine o come down if they can't hear me

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yeOldeTrout · 22/09/2016 10:11

I knock on the door. Most of us need more exercise, so not that much a problem to go knock.

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PeaStalks · 22/09/2016 13:35

No internet after 7pm! No wonder he makes the most of it while he can.
I yell a 5 minute warning and make sure I get a response. Otherwise I will trot upstairs, I really don't mind.

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LifeIsGoodish · 22/09/2016 16:36

Who said no internet after 7pm? Switching the router off gets him out of his room, it goes back on once he's in the kitchen.

I tried the messaging, but that only works if he's on his iPad. He's usually on the PC.

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Peebles1 · 22/09/2016 22:18

I've always been pretty chilled about it. I can imagine if he's engrossed in something he won't notice the time. I yell, then ask whoever else is trotting down to give him a knock on the way past, or just pop up myself. No biggie. However, we do have a tiny house so not far to trot! Would be more annoying in a bigger house I bet.

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PatriciaHolm · 23/09/2016 09:36

I go knock, or send the sibling up. I keep telling them not to yell at me from one side of the house to the other, so I can't really do the same!

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Wolfiefan · 23/09/2016 09:39

Surely headphones on for hours will lead to hearing issues. I'd stop that! Headphones off at a certain time?

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WankersHacksandThieves · 27/09/2016 19:47

I get DH to shout - noise cancelling headphones don't seem to cancel him out :o

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DailyMailPenisPieces · 28/09/2016 08:27

What about 4G? Can't even turn off the router here!

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