Or just a slack parent to not be too bothered by this?

[EssieTregowan]

We're on half term. Dh got up to go to work at 5.30 this morning to find DS1 (14) playing on his computer.

He came in to see me and said he's convinced ds has been up all night playing. He wants to talk about consequences when he gets in.

Now, while I obviously don't think it's ideal, I don't think it's that huge a deal as a one off in the holidays. He went into town at midday so if he's tired that's his own lookout.

He's a good lad, never any real trouble, helps round the house and does well at school. He does have a computer obsession but then so do all his mates. I just really don't see the harm in him staying up all night as a one off in the holidays. I used to stay up all night reading at his age, the freedom of not having to get up in the morning was intoxicating.

Anyway, DH wants to have a serious chat with him about bedtimes and respect (?). Aibu to head him off at the pass and say that actually this doesn't need a big stern talking to?

Or am I just being a bit slack here?

I wouldn't worry about a one off, but watch it doesn't become a habit. I teach 16-18 year olds and it is not uncommon to have pupils who are exhausted at school because they are staying up to 2-3am to play computer games. These are pupils who are highly motivated for school too. They have to relearn to switch off and focus on other activities instead.

gleam - he's a teen and pushing boundaries? Because he knows he's going to get told off?

You can't say a kid won't lie because they haven't before - they're still learning.

When my DSS did this he had to have a day off school. It happened three times I think. He had to be up for school at about 6 and he just couldn't get up. He is a great kid but there's freedom and there's saying no for their own good.

It may not affect your son OP, all I can say is that my DSS struggles in school and repeated days off as well as being tired all day has had consequences. No they probably won't be an issue in 20 years time. But they might be.