How the hell do you get teens to do as they are tokd

[Menopausecrazy]

Ds is 16. We have booked a night away in a nice hotel by the coast for Friday. Thought he would enjoy it and agreed at the time of booking. Suddenly said he is not going. It’s too late to cancel and his sister is looking forward to it. Haven’t got anyone to ask to look after him and wouldn’t trust him to stay on his own. What the hell do we do.

Am I missing something? Why on earth should DH miss his trip?

If he is as defiant as you say, dad staying at home could fall flat. DS could be off partying elsewhere with friends. No party would take place in your home, but dad would be home alone for no reason (except to repel any attempts of DS to return with friends).

Unfortunately you simply CAN'T force a young person to do as you say. And it's not legal to lock them in.

Any chance of some bribery working in persuading him to go with you?

Take the router with you means he'll just use up his data allowance all the faster and then not be able to answer messages from parents.

Take his phone is likely to be start of WW3.

I imagine OP has made a decision.... which is?