teen not interested in new house

[cacoa]

For years been living with my parents (I'm a single parent dad).
Now finally bought my own house a few weeks ago and getting it refurbed ready soon.
Son has only visited the house 3-4 times in total since. He is not bothered about wall paper colours, any designs, any work going on, broadband supplier, gadgets installed etc. Even walked past the house twice without even going in to see what is happening.
I'm really disappointed, although not expecting him to help with the work (although would have been nice) cant get him off the xbox.
I wont be getting a tv straight away either (as have no money till next month) and other priorities to spend on!

Are all teens really this did-associated from the real world?

Then again he’s 16 stop expecting him to act like a well adjusted 30 year old, he’ll turn out okay and become more human again in his early 20s lol

My 16 year olds wouldn't be interested although one would prob feign a very slight interest to be kind as that's the sort of person she is.

I think this is nornal really!

I have PS4 addicted sons, and rather than asking them if they'd like to help with DIY, I tell them we're going to be doing xxxxx today. They are normally fairly co-operative if they are doing it with someone else rather than under their own steam. It helps to throw in a bribe like bacon sarnies for all at the local cafe after a few hours work.
I have 3 of them, and they all work to different strengths - one is good at organising and layout, one is artistic and has a really steady hand for painting, they are all quite strong and like to be able to do jobs involving using their muscles, eg shifting furniture.
Maybe you could pick something that you think he could do capably after a few demonstrations, like rollering a wall while you do the edging.
My feeling is, that to them, none of this is preferable to sitting on their backsides playing games, but if they have company, and a task they can succeed in, they will do some work.
Can you explain to him that now he's adult sized, he needs to make some contribution to the hard graft that goes in to setting up a house. He doesn't have to like it, but he should be helping out, even if it's only a few hours at the weekend. Maybe list what needs to be done and ask which jobs he'd prefer to help with?

Why don't you gear it toward the xbox if that's his interest eg where would you like the Xbox to go etc?

I have to say I am a bit surprised you want him to engage about where the smart features are going/ who is supplying the broadband when you then mention you won't have a tv. I have three teens and they wouldn't move without their kit and caboodle- tv's included!

hahaha some good feedback and experiences shared.
yup just get on with it for me!

thanks at least i know my teen is nothing unusual!

Mine really hated moving house. It really upset her. And the WIFI didn't work for 6 weeks. It was a miserable time. It's quite normal that he is not mega excited.

Congratulations on your new house! Must feel amazing for you.
You are doing an amazing job and one day he will appreciate it and be proud of what you achieved for him.
For now - he's a teenager his behaviour doesn't sound too unusual to me, I think sometimes they forget other people have feelings.
Just enjoy the moment - you deserve it.