Teenage son driving me mad

[HowManyTimesDoI]

So as my username says how many times do I have to repeat the same stuff before it sinks in and he gets it?

I don't think I'm asking much, I just want him when he takes his trousers off to have the legs both the same way so when I've washed them to hang up to dry I'm not having to always change one of the legs

I've asked and I've threatened but alas nothing changes. AIBU to ask this of a 14 yo and if not what threat should I use and carry out?

I've previously threatened to empty the contents of the kitchen bin on his bed.

I would think it's less effort to turn the legs the right way yourself than to keep going on about it?

I've previously threatened to empty the contents of the kitchen bin on his bed.

If he’s an otherwise good kid, I honestly wouldn’t get wound up about this.

Seriously if that’s all that’s bothering you about his behaviour then think yourself lucky

What’s the bin got to do with it?
Get him to hang up his own washing?

Ok my ds is now 17 yo and still can’t open the cupboard door to put pants in a laundry bag. Any laundry bag would be better than dropping them in front on the closed door. I now put them back on his bedroom floor. Petty? Who gives a fuck

Get him to hang up the trousers himself every time, he will soon start doing it.

I'd be embarrassed to say what I can't get in my teenage boys to do following this one. Honestly.

To those dismissing the OP constantly repeating behaviour you have asked some one to stop is disrespectful. It also boils my piss to the extent I lose sight of rational behaviour

At that age I’d be expecting him to do his own washing

Just don’t bother turning them the right way. He’ll soon learn when he has to wear damp trews for school.

Count your lucky stars if thats your only issue, i have a gobby 14 year old who thinks i shouldn't control his life

Whats the bin got to do with it?

Like everyone else, if this is your biggest worry, you really need to relax.

I have taken to washing them as given, folding them and giving them back inside out. DD leaves her tights and leggings with one leg inside out.

I always turn trousers inside out and check the pockets so I don't share your annoyance with this particular issue. However, instead of wasting energy by ranting and raving get him involved in doing the laundry.

This is the final straw

He does nothing around the house. It's far from the only thing he should do

I'm sick of working full time and he does nothing around the house

Leave the trousers inside out. Let him sort them. They're washed, presumably dry. He wants them the right way round and ironed? He does it himself.

Oh gosh I opened this thread expecting to read about terrible teenage behaviour...if this is the worst thing he does then lucky you! Forget about it...I don't even turn manage to do this to my own trousers and I'm the one who does the washing!

When you go to work in the morning do you leave an exact written list of what you want done?
Don't expect any initiative or good will but do expect precise (reasonable) instructions to be followed.
If the instructions are not followed there should be clear and related consequences.
eg
please empty bin.
not done - move bin to outside bedroom door
please put washing on
not done - no clean clothes for ds(presume this would bother him?)
please empty dishwasher
not done - I would serve my ds his food on unsuitable dish as no put away ones.

Crikey...calm down!! I have had three teenagers and I really do genuinely think that their brains are programmed not to be tidy !! Just stop worrying about untidiness etc ...it will not change and your home will end up a war zone...pick your battles. I just closed the doors to their rooms and they finally worked it out that if they want clean clothes they go into the washbin and put by washing machine!!

@HowManyTimesDoI
He’s a 14 year old child.
Presumably he goes to school and then has HW to do. Kind of like a full time job?

Or was 14 and son a typo and it’s your 40 year old DH?

He does nothing around the house. It's far from the only thing he should do

So if you asked him to hang the washing out for example what would he do?

Can he do his own washing? Or if you want to carry on doing it yourself, just leave the wet trousers in a basket by his door and he can hang & dry them himself.

Sit him down and calmly chat about him doing a bit more. Does he get pocket money? Can he take turns at doing stuff: dish washer, bins out, laundry? He is old enough to take on a few chores.

Asked him to do stuff and nothing gets done.

I've never asked him to do much, as a kid I was expected to clean the whole house each weekend

I just think he doesn't care a bit about anyone but himself. Yes I know that's what teens do but a few simple chores is not asking much

I'm at a loss why most of you think it's acceptable

I'm at a loss as to why someone would have a child in order to have someone to skivvy round after them.