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AIBU?

To be shocked at how many teenagers do absolutely NOTHING on the weekends

126 replies

MrRected · 28/03/2014 04:06

I reckon teenagers should be put to work - whether it be sport or actual work (waiting tables/supermarket checkout etc).

I think that letting them do absolutely nothing, doesn't help them in the long term and am surprised at how many people I know who think it's entirely normal for their little darling to hide in their bedroom for days on end.

OP posts:

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Wurstwitch · 28/03/2014 04:20

God, I wish.

Mine spend all Saturday skiing, babysitting until about 11pm, then fundraising or extra dance classes all day Sunday.

I don't know any peers that do nothing tbh.

singaporeswing · 28/03/2014 04:24

Bearing in mind a lot of adults struggle to find work, I can't see teenagers being able to pick up a casual Saturday job.

Most teenagers I know have a mixture of activities and rest, just like most adults.

I believe in "everything in moderation" so a good mixture of family time, sports/exercise, homework/study and relaxing with family, friends or on their own.

NoIdeasForUsername · 28/03/2014 04:27

I don't mind tbh. My teens both are active in terms of going out with friends for most of the weekend- whether it's window shopping, just hanging out at friends and eating everything in the fridge, playing football (for DS) or whatever. They walk the dog etc; but no particular clubs on weekends, or a job as they are younger teens. I think that's fine for them, they might not be earning money or going out to clubs, but they're getting out of the house (and they're not under my feet as much!) in the fresh air and being sociable.

NinjaLeprechaun · 28/03/2014 04:54

A lot of adults do 'nothing' on the weekends as well. Some people would argue that's what weekends are for.

Although, of course, they're not really doing nothing are they? They're pursuing the recreational activities of their choice. Sorry to be blunt, but it's really not your business if that activity isn't what you think it should be.

ComposHat · 28/03/2014 05:09

(waiting tables/supermarket checkout etc) Most of those jobs you can't get until you are 16. Anyway, haven't you noticed that there's a massive jobs shortage, hugely disproportionately affecting young people. 16/17 year olds with no work experience aren't going to be top of the list when supermarkets, shops and restaurants have a huge pool of applicants to draw upon.

Poppy67 · 28/03/2014 06:25

There aren't the jobs for teenagers like there used to be. I never see a teenage waiter in a restaurant, cafe , in the supermarket, in the pub (over 18). Those jobs have gone.

ihatethecold · 28/03/2014 06:31

I can't think of anything worse than making kids do stuff they don't want to every weekend.

My kids like to chill.
It might involve seeing friends or a trip out.
What's the harm in that.

EBearhug · 28/03/2014 06:35

I think paid work isn't an option for everyone, not least because of availability of jobs. But I always had weekend activities - swimming, the library and so on. Also helping with chores.

So I agree that being allowed to hide in their bedroom all weekend isn't a good thing - but I don't know many who do that anyway.

Sirzy · 28/03/2014 06:36

And when do they get a chance to chill out? Not many adults work 7 days a week so why should teens?

bigTillyMint · 28/03/2014 06:39

I also do not know any teens who do nothing on the weekend. They are all busy doing stuff - sport/watching sport/socialising, etc and having a bit of down time after a busy week of school.

And then there is the dreaded homework.

Minnieisthedevilmouse · 28/03/2014 06:39

Days on end? Fri eve, sat, sun....hardly days on end.

I think it's more shocking the entitled attitude of adults thinking they should relax at a weekend, meet friends, talk. They should all get jobs. They should be looking after the kids they throw in childcare all week.

Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? Just like you op, just like you....

Lagos · 28/03/2014 06:40

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

sydlexic · 28/03/2014 06:42

My teen gets up at 6 every week day, travels to school, home late, extra curricular language classes after school. Home work. He has earned the right to fill his weekends as he pleases.

Joules68 · 28/03/2014 06:43

Ah... A goady attempt at teen bashing!

It's gcse time for some just now...,, but yeah, 'put em to work' lol

0/10 for this weak attempt

Only1scoop · 28/03/2014 06:44

You sound like my mum Op.

I was made to get a Saturday job even though I had plenty to do. After a week studying....music practise....house chores....

Down time never....

God forbid if I ever tried to chill out on sofa to watch tv.

She would come martyring by with the Hoover

myitchybeaver · 28/03/2014 06:49

You know teenagers are actually...errr...people. If you change the 'teenagers' for 'people' in your OP it sound ridiculous. There's actually lots of research that recognises the benefit of sleep for teenagers.
There aren't lots of magic jobs either like there was years ago.

LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance · 28/03/2014 06:51

I want to post a reply but I can't think of one that won't activate the MNHQ delete button.

PunkrockerGirl · 28/03/2014 06:51

Why should they be out there playing sport when they neither like it, nor have an aptitude for it?
I don't work 7 days a week, never expected my teenagers to either. They turned out fine.
OP, how many teenagers do you have? Just interested.

LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance · 28/03/2014 06:52

Only love 'come martyring by'.

financialwizard · 28/03/2014 06:53

My stb teen is always out with his mates at the weekend once he's done his homework and room. Frankly I think he deserves it, he works hard enough during the week.

Treaclepot · 28/03/2014 06:55

It is a huge shame that there aren't the jobs for teenagers anymore, I worked from 12 and whilst I didn't enjoy thw work (cleaning hospitals/holiday homes/waitressing/newspaper round)

they were physically demanding, and dull and they taught me loads: reliability, how to do put in proper effort or lose a job, they alsontaught me to work hard at school as I was told on a number of occasions by the older workers: 'don 't mess uo your exams or you'll be doing this when you're our age'.

My DSS does virtually nothing all w/e hardly goes out, I find it sad at his age I was out all the time with friends, or working not sat in staring at a screen.

slartybartfast · 28/03/2014 06:56

my teen would love a job, sadly she is 14 and there is little she can do, apart from a paper round, which somehow wouldnt suit her!

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slartybartfast · 28/03/2014 06:57

but my teen loves saturdays as we have pizza!

GertTheFlirt · 28/03/2014 06:59

Where are all these miraculous jobs?
Sport? what about the ones who have genuinely suffered at the hands of enforced PE? Yeah, lets keep on scaring people for life

isitsnowingyet · 28/03/2014 07:02

I always let my 'little darling' lie in bed for as long as he wants on Saturday - until he gets up to do his 2 hour martial arts class. My other 'little darling' gets up early to play on the PS3 which he hasn't played all week, having been at school and homework club etc.

Neither of them like football or rugby/cricket ie manly sports which I guess you approve of. And being 13 + 14 and living in a very rural area, there is no chance of a job. You are bonkers OP

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