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Adult child has to make their bed before going to work

183 replies

jtyy5 · 09/12/2024 17:42

It is my parents house so I follow their rules and I have no intention of bringing this up.

I am 24 and live with my parents, it is a house rule that I have to make my bed before going to work.

Is this a silly rule or setting a good example?

OP posts:
godmum56 · 09/12/2024 19:55

GildedRage · 09/12/2024 18:12

Air the room with an open window x1 ht. Tidy the bed linen, depending on bedding used, it should be neat looking (duvet up or down, quilt no quilt, throw no throw etc means variations). Pillows fluffed and positioned at the head of the bed.
My children made their beds from 5 onward, I would fully expect a young adult to do the same.
Tidy beds sets the tone for the rest of the home.
Are you neurodiverse? Because tidying a bedroom child or adult is basic similar to changing into clothing vs staying in pj’s.
It’s also respectful to the rest of the household.

can you hear my eyes rolling?

BrightonFrock · 09/12/2024 19:53

OneTiredMother · 09/12/2024 19:34

Start acting like an adult and they might treat you like one.
Making your bed is basic grown-up habit and is supposed to put you in a good mindset for the day. It takes 2 secs. They’re worried that you still live at home and have as much interest in making your bed as a 7 year old.
Go and rent a room or a flat if it’s bothering you so much.

“Worried”? This is insane! Who worries about their adult child’s level of “interest” in making their bed?! 😆😆

BrightonFrock · 09/12/2024 19:51

GreenEggs483 · 09/12/2024 19:11

Oh ffs! It's not so unreasonable to want to have a bit of daylight!

Is there literally only one door on your landing? Meaning you have to have that particular door open, staring at the unmade bed in horror?

godmum56 · 09/12/2024 19:44

Another non bedmaker here, Its a monumentally stupid rule but as others have said, their house their rules. I flip the covers back and leave it to air all day. Been doing it for some 55 years or so and so far the bedmaking police haven't visited.

saraclara · 09/12/2024 19:39

OneTiredMother · 09/12/2024 19:34

Start acting like an adult and they might treat you like one.
Making your bed is basic grown-up habit and is supposed to put you in a good mindset for the day. It takes 2 secs. They’re worried that you still live at home and have as much interest in making your bed as a 7 year old.
Go and rent a room or a flat if it’s bothering you so much.

It really isn't. If anything a bed needs airing, not having the duvet covering it all day.

Goodness knows how I've managed to adult with a good mindset every day for 50 years without making my bed in the morning.

It's a habit that makes you feel good. That's great, but it doesn't make it necessary for everyone (or even desirable).

ThatIsNotMyNameSoWhyAreYouCallingMeThat · 09/12/2024 19:38

Ohthatsabitshit · 09/12/2024 17:43

It’s a good rule but you should air it while you have breakfast.

I don’t eat breakfast and I wouldn’t be making my bed either.

Mind you, I moved out at 17 so it was nothing to do with my parents.

Anoisagusaris · 09/12/2024 19:36

tulippa · 09/12/2024 17:44

Why wouldn't you make your bed? You're a grown-up.

I’m a grown up and don’t make my bed.

FloordrobeIsGoingToGetME · 09/12/2024 19:35

We always make our bed the moment we get out of the shower.

I would feel really yuck if it wasn't make and the numerous ridiculous pillows placed just so.

My son and daughter, however - 24 and 22 - don't do theirs. And they close their doors and I don't care. It's not my space, how they keep it (within reason) is their own business.

My only rule is they bring plates and cups down before I have to buy a new set.

Mischance · 09/12/2024 19:35

You are out, the door to the room is shut... makes no odds to anyone whether the bed is made or not. It is more than a silly rule, it is bizarrely controlling in relation to a grown adult

OneTiredMother · 09/12/2024 19:34

Start acting like an adult and they might treat you like one.
Making your bed is basic grown-up habit and is supposed to put you in a good mindset for the day. It takes 2 secs. They’re worried that you still live at home and have as much interest in making your bed as a 7 year old.
Go and rent a room or a flat if it’s bothering you so much.

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 09/12/2024 19:34

It's a good idea because you come home to a nice tidy bedroom, and if the door is open and someone glances in, it looks neat. And it only takes a minute or two.
But I can see you might not like this level of concern about what you are doing in your own room, and might want to move out as soon as you can manage it!

ObelixtheGaul · 09/12/2024 19:30

It's pointless. I haven't done it apart from when I change the sheets since I left home at 18. 50 now. It has made zip difference to my life.

GreenEggs483 · 09/12/2024 19:29

Icanttakethisanymore · 09/12/2024 19:23

I really wasn’t trying to be pedantic, sorry it came across that way, I was just pointing out that the thread didn’t seem to be about whether it’s a good idea to make your bed (I think it is a good idea, FWIW)

It's in how we read things I think. I also think the whole thing hinges on the relationship OP has with her parents and the reason why it's important to them that the bed is made. Who knows, maybe they're putting the house on the market and want it fit for viewing, maybe there are younger siblings who are learning the ropes. I think OP hasn't been back so perhaps we'll never know.

BrightonFrock · 09/12/2024 19:29

GildedRage · 09/12/2024 18:49

Closed bedroom doors can lead to mold/mildew. It certainly darkens hallways. Low lighting can affect mood as does a messy unmade bed.

😆😆😆

I’ve heard it all now. The OP’s mother is not curled up in the foetal position on her landing sobbing “I never see the sunlight; I never get to see the happy, happy day!” And are there no other doors she can open on the landing?

housethatbuiltme · 09/12/2024 19:28

In correct etiquette you are not meant to make the bed, you are suppose to air the mattress... so yes its all silly made up bollocks.

afrikat · 09/12/2024 19:27

My 8 and 11 year olds make their beds before school so I would hope they know how to do this by 24

user2848502016 · 09/12/2024 19:26

It's good to make your bed when you get up

BUT you're an adult and you shouldn't have to just because your parents say so.
If you shut the door to your room they shouldn't go in there so won't know?

GreenEggs483 · 09/12/2024 19:25

kiraric · 09/12/2024 19:13

I like daylight as much as the next person but it's your landing, are you really spending so much time there that you would insist on no one in your house closing their bedroom door?

This sounds like the sort of thing my mum made up as an excuse to snoop

I don't insist, but i do prefer.

Icanttakethisanymore · 09/12/2024 19:23

GreenEggs483 · 09/12/2024 19:21

Ok, i get your rather pedantic point.

I really wasn’t trying to be pedantic, sorry it came across that way, I was just pointing out that the thread didn’t seem to be about whether it’s a good idea to make your bed (I think it is a good idea, FWIW)

GreenEggs483 · 09/12/2024 19:21

Icanttakethisanymore · 09/12/2024 19:18

Hmmm - I’m not sure that’s true. There might be lots of things which are eminently sensible to do but we would find it silly for someone to make a rule about it. Putting your coat on if it’s raining, for example; very sensible but as an adult I don’t expect to have to put my coat on when it’s raining.

OP is specifically not asking if it’s silly to make her bed in the morning, but rather if the rule is silly.

Ok, i get your rather pedantic point.

Lalalaking · 09/12/2024 19:18

GildedRage · 09/12/2024 18:49

Closed bedroom doors can lead to mold/mildew. It certainly darkens hallways. Low lighting can affect mood as does a messy unmade bed.

How much time do you spend on your landing during the day? Most people do close bedroom door whilst out and about for privacy; excluding drafts etc

Icanttakethisanymore · 09/12/2024 19:18

GreenEggs483 · 09/12/2024 19:07

I know that. But it would only be a silly rule if making your bed was silly 🤷‍♀️

Hmmm - I’m not sure that’s true. There might be lots of things which are eminently sensible to do but we would find it silly for someone to make a rule about it. Putting your coat on if it’s raining, for example; very sensible but as an adult I don’t expect to have to put my coat on when it’s raining.

OP is specifically not asking if it’s silly to make her bed in the morning, but rather if the rule is silly.

saraclara · 09/12/2024 19:15

GildedRage · 09/12/2024 18:22

@allthatfalafel because it’s akin to tidying up after a meal, putting dishes away, or taking garbage bags that are full out. It’s respectful to maintain a tidy organized home. All members of a family are responsible to do their part, and making a bed is part of that show of respect.

All your other examples are tasks that need doing in a shared space. An adults bedroom is their private space, and whether the bed is made or not, doesn't online on anyone else's comfort. There's no reason for the rest of the family to know whether it's been made or not.

kiraric · 09/12/2024 19:13

GreenEggs483 · 09/12/2024 19:11

Oh ffs! It's not so unreasonable to want to have a bit of daylight!

I like daylight as much as the next person but it's your landing, are you really spending so much time there that you would insist on no one in your house closing their bedroom door?

This sounds like the sort of thing my mum made up as an excuse to snoop

AnyoneSomeone · 09/12/2024 19:11

Boltonb · 09/12/2024 19:09

I think it’s silly. But I also think it’s pretty shocking that an adult needs to be told to make their bed.

I'm an adult I don't always make my own bed.

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