My diatribe <sigh>

[MarionCole]

When I asked you to tidy your room because the cleaners were coming, I expected you to tidy your room.

It is not fair to expect someone else to clear your rubbish, especially when your bin is overflowing and full of used sanitary towels. How do you think the cleaners would have felt if they had been asked clear that away?

I have taken two bin bags of rubbish out of your room. I have taken away four glasses, three mouldy cups and six spoons that you claimed not to have. I have also taken away my black cardigan that I found screwed up in a ball at the foot of your bed. This is just what I found without looking in any drawers and cupboards.

It is one thing to be untidy; it is another thing to be unhygienic and to put the health of your family and friends at risk.

I hear you

Used sanitary towels make me if left in the bedroom bin. I force them to put them in nappy sacks after use and in one specific bin. There is pain of death threats otherwise

Hear hear

I have teen dd and ds. I found a mould chicken thigh in ds' room last week

I (we) just don't know what to do about it.

She's almost 16 so will probably be leaving home in 2.5 years. Part of me thinks that we've put up with it so long we can last another 2.5 years and then just clear it out.

On the other hand, I don't see why we should let her get away with it. I don't know how many times I've asked her not to put sanitary towels in her bedroom bin. I am close to threatening her that if she doesn't keep it in order then I will chuck everything but the essentials away so that I can clean it regularly. I actually worry about what her friends must think of her - I wouldn't like to visit someone whose room was full of mould and germs.

does she get an allowance? I threaten if the room isn't kept reasonably clean, pots taken downstairs, bin emptied etc then the allowance will be withheld for that week - and only reinstated when the room is cleaned. I ALWAYS follow through with this threat. I have two teenage DDs and feel it's important for them to contribute (albeit slightly) in housework chores. I give them one chance but then if no change I hit where it hurts. Not saying it works all the time but it definitely makes them think twice.

For YEARS I fought this battle.

And lost years of my life

One raised eyebrow from her lovely boyfriend and now you could eat your dinner off the floor.

Go figure.