What to do? DS (15) consumes vast quantities of electricity - by which I mean the second he's back from school, without asking me, puts internet/X-box on (and computer if he has it in his room for homework from eg a previous evening). Then on for hours and hours. I do try - this is going to sound so feeble. I try to entice him off it, to involve him in other things but he doesn't engage - hardly even.
This week he has picked up a bit because he's on work experience at the local vets and thoroughly enjoying it - so much better than school. However, last couple of days, as well as continuing this insatiable desire for the x-box etc, he's been really rude. Take today - came home for lunch - on way out of his room before going back to the vets, I turned his radiator down and he rounded on me - I should've asked his permission. What? Who pays the bills - and what a waste when he's not in his room and it takes minutes to warm up once he's home. Along with the elec, he goes to the thermostat, no permission asked, and turns it up high.
So, he is wasting resources, our (limited amount) money, his time and now sees fit to be distant and plain rude. Eg 'What?' (sharply) when I call him; critical beyond words about the food in the house; and now, to top it all, critical that I don't ask his permission to turn off his radiator when he's nowhere near his room.
Until not long ago, was a dear, friendly boy - from goodness knows where, a critical, cold attitude to me has come in and I'm feeling so hurt and, frankly, used.
Thoughts, ideas gratefully received ..