15yo just stays in bed all day since GCSEs - is this normal??

[TiredButTryin5x]

my oldest finished school in june n he’s done nothin but lay in bed on his phone since 😩 he’s 15, turnin 16 in aug. i don’t wanna nag him but he’s sleepin in past midday every day then stayin up all night watchin tiktoks or playin xbox

i’ve tried sayin get some fresh air or go see ur mates but he just shrugs or says “later”. i work part time n rely on him for babysittin sometimes (got 4 boys n pregnant again) but i don’t want that to be his whole summer either. feel like he’s just driftin

is this just how teens are after GCSEs?? i don’t remember bein this lazy but maybe i was 🙈 he’s not rude, just shuts down a lot. i don’t wanna push him but i don’t want him losin all motivation either

any advice?? do i push him to get a job or just let him chill for a bit?? xx

My teen has been spending a lot of time asleep since exams finished. Has been out with friends a few times but is just absolutely shattered. She even said she was surprised how shattered she is. I don’t mind the big sleeps! This is the one summer holiday where they get the chance to do very little. I’m happy to go with it. As long as they go out a couple of times a week what’s the problem?

You’ll find out if you read the thread, @JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn- or even just the OP’s posts.

I honestly don’t think that is typical. My DS has had his taster days, been out with friends a bit, prom, going to gym, spending a lot of time chilling/ lie ins/ watching tv etc. I am fine with that. September and a heavy work load with early starts will be here soon enough. I am requiring a few light chores…your DS and OPs are both not typical imo but I don’t see the need for summer post GCSEs to be productive unless the child wants it to be

Totally agree

They don't grow out of it if by September they aren't starting something like a course, job or apprenticeship. It becomes a habit.

and you’re pregnant with an on off boyfriend?

Op, come on. You need to turn this around. Today, go in to your son’s room at 10, open curtains fling open window, get the x box out of this room

you are paying for all this, so whilst you have that power over him.,,, leverage it.

can he mow the lawn maybe to get his phone back?

Definitely not in my house and not when I was a teenager either. Nothing would have annoyed me more.

I’d be mostly worried about securing plans for the future - job applications, apprenticeships, eduction. It can’t be pleasant drifting like that.

But also, you have 4 kids with a 5th on the way, no support, and you seem to let the wifi do the parenting for you. This is the entirety predictable outcome.

Oh they can and do grow out of it, just takes a long time.Personally. I'd dump the tough love malarkey and try to build a relationship with the son, It pays off in the end.