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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Vaping A level idiot. Confront?

27 replies

Haffdonga · 01/05/2015 13:28

DS1 is about to start his A levels. A lot is resting on him being able to up his grades from his AS exams (to do what he wants to do, not what we're pushing him to do). He is very stressed and not sleeping well. (Back story: last year he had a bit of a panic thing going on in exams and did much worse than expected.)

Today I was looking for a guide book that he had had and went in his room (which I have agreed not to do). On open view was an e-cig receipt and rows of bottles of vaping fluid. In an open drawer were further lighter fuel and a lighter plus alcohol bottles galore.

Apart from the fucking idiocy of him vaping and god knows what else (what's the lighter for?) I'm so pissed off that he has been asking for money from me to help pay for a holiday, for prom clothes, for new sunglasses etc etc when he's obviously got plenty to spend on this shit. (Further back story - I'd persuaded him to drop his weekend working hours to concentrate on his A levels so he has less income of his own.)

My dilemma: Do I admit I've snooped in his room, confront him on his idiotic behaviour and stop funding his luxuries? (Risking a big row and upsetting the balance just before his exams?)

Or do I turn a blind eye, let him carry on spending my money on his bloody stupid druggy stuff in order to let him approach exams stress free?

Please tell me what you'd do. Angry Sad

OP posts:
Haffdonga · 06/05/2015 17:36

Thanks Sherbert.
I suppose now I've calmed down a bit I agree with you really. I know that actually there's nothing I can say that will change his behaviour, because of course he's already completely aware of my opinions about smoking etc. If I went off on one at him now he'd just carry with more secrecy - my opinion clearly has no significance to him. Once he's at uni if he gets there he will be responsible for himself and his choices and I wont even get clues.

What narks me is how he claims to be such a sensible, clean-living person and how he thinks smokers are such idiots. He had me fooled. Sad

OP posts:
sherbetlemonD · 06/05/2015 17:49

Thats the thing with teens/young adults (being one myself here btw! I'm 22) they often lie to cover up what they are doing. Don't think of it as going behind your back though- my parents hate smoking and I felt guilty in a way but ultimately I made the choice for me and my health. All you can do is let him know you disapprove but don't expect any miracles.

I'm sure he will be fine Smile

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