That’s IT! I’m posting it on the Internet.
Is it unreasonable to object to this in my very own house?
Secondary question: when the cats are eating something unidentifiable off the teen’s floor and lily pads are growing in a cup of juice, is it time for an intervention? An exorcism? A cleansing fire? What?
P.S. Mom, I know what you’re going to say and I don’t want to hear it. This is a COMPLETELY different situation.
Published by angelawd on June 14th, 2008 tagged Mom of Teens
June 14th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
It’s your house. Absolutely, you can set the standards. And let’s face it, you’re not asking for dust-free. You’re asking for a clear floor, a made bed, and no visible clutter. That’s basic.
Rosemond advises to only warn your teens once and to tell them, “I won’t tell you a second time, I’ll just go in there and clean it up myself. Completely. I will go into everything.” If you get his drift….
June 15th, 2008 at 12:10 am
Require that all biohazards be removed and that an emergency exit path be cleared to the door. Then close said door and go have a nice soothing cup of whatever makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. LIfe with teens is hard enough without fighting over something that wouldn’t matter one twit if she were to be gone from this earth tomorrow. It’s just stuff. Is it worth making bad memories over?
June 17th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I will have to try and post a pic tomorrow of both of my teens rooms. . .they are both worse than this I think.
I have to just close the door and try not to think about it. . much.
June 17th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
suburban, I think offering to clean it myself would acheive just the right level of fear.
Damama, good point. I’ll establish minimum levels of cleanliness then shut the door.
Annette, can’t wait to see your pics!
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
LOL. I can totally relate to the “mom” comment! I agree with both SC and Damama…course, I always do.
Pax, E
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Entirely different, eh? Well, I could tell stories…but, seriously, you survived and have a wonderful home now and a lovely yard. what was the long tern affect of having a messy room? Um, actuallky, nothing. You grew out of it and she will, too.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Mom, that’s a really good perspective, thanks! I need to pick my battles and consider where my words will have the greatest long-term effect (since she’s only listening for about 8 seconds at a time).