Set scene: DD yr 12, super hardworking high achiever, no credit to me, does it all off her own back. DS yr 10 super clever, super lazy, achieves averagely, could do SO much better. Both good kids, decent in teenager terms, have lots of friends and outside interests. I work part time, DH works silly hours but very hands on when he's around.
Two issues:
- DS makes ZERO effort with school work. Thinks he's going to walk into a trade-type apprenticeship. He is so so capable of good grades, but will come out with average at best. I'm not so bothered about the grades tbh, but I want him to get the best that he can. Have never compared him to DD, have had words with anyone that has - but he'll use this as a lazy excuse, even though he is aware that he's actually cleverer than her as he gets ok grades with doing f-all. He thinks that's funny. Has anyone managed to turn their teenager round? Should I leave him to it? I don't want to be on at him all the time. He's a happy (as a 15 yr old can be!) and sooo laid back.
- Having busy lives where it's been easier just to do household stuff myself, we have arrived at the teenage years with two idle gits. They were helpful until secondary school - when our lives got gradually busier and I've ended up shouldering the chores. Don't slag me off for it, no-one aspires to this and it didn't happen over night, but here we are. Has anyone successfully changed/encouraged idle teens to be more responsible and helpful around the house? If so how? I seem to be the only one that cares that my house is above the hygiene line. (DH helps when he can, responds well to a nag, and isn't really the problem). Hit me with your teenage taming wizardry please