[locolorenzo22]

Yep....as I always say, "I'm a nursing student...I honestly don't have time...." of course, I spent about 3 hours online anyways...but I really don't want to do it. I plan on doing it once I don't have anything else left to do for school!!! You know, I just don't have the energy.....go figure....

[hikernurse]

I've got a bunch of messy boys--you'd think cleaning their room wasn't their top priority, go figure . One day when I grew too tired of fighting that particular battle, I told them to clean or I would. They didn't. I bought a couple of big packing boxes and loaded them full of stuff--toys, garbage, clean and dirty clothes--taped them up and put them in the storage room. I only wish I had thought of the rake .

It worked . I wouldn't say they're still the best cleaners, but at least they know I mean business when I tell them if they don't clean, I will .

[Nurse_Advocate]

I can relate on a grand scale!

I have a 17 (almost 18!) y/o son and a 15 (almost 16!) y/o daughter and a 12 (almost 13) y/o son (born June, July & August) --------so I know what you're talking about!

I'll tell you what I do...I close the door.

My 17 y/o is going to college next year (we're not sure which of 2 UC's yet) --- if he doesn't know how to clean up, or should I say, if he is UNWILLING to clean up his room on his own then he deserves to live in the mess.

The kid is bright...a great test taker...did well on SAT's...well respected by his peers and teachers...gets decent grades (could do a little better) --- so what does he need me cleaning his room for???

My son is gonna have to get sick and tired of it himself. I've taught him how to clean and donate and throw away stuff in his room before...he KNOWS how, he's just not ready.

I repeat...I close the door!
take care of yourself nurses,
(I'm reachable),
--Theresa

[nunley]

I am a teenager, but i'm also a nursing student.

during winter/springbreak/summer my room is clean and organized and a pleasure to be in.

during school it is just MAYHEM. textbooks and papers iv kits empty bottles everywhere.

And yes, I hate when my mom goes in there. If something gets moved, i'll never find it.

[vicky1964]

Originally Posted by santhony44

I once used a rake to clean out from under my son's bed. He's no longer a teenager, lives at home part of the time, and is still just as messy. I keep reminding him what the trash can and laundry basket are for!! The one who is still a teenager is a little better.

To tell the truth, though, we all tend to be a bit messy; I am constantly fighting my own pack rat tendencies! I'm not talking about filth, just clutter. My older son is the most extreme, though.

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing. ~Phyllis Diller, Phyllis Diller's Housekeeping Hints, 1966

[facetiousgoddess]

Hi. My name is Tres and I am a neatfreak.

My son is 16 and we have been battling over his room since he was 11. It is the only bone of contention in our relationship. (Yes I totally realize how blessed we are )

However, this is my take on the situation:


I work, pay the mortgage, bills etc, put money aside for his college expenses, do the marketing, laundry, meals, yardwork, basic car maintenance, home repairs and housework. In short like all parents I bust my butt to provide for us.

His room was so bad there were dust rhinoceri busily mating creating a whole new advanced indestructable species. SUO's (stains of unknown origin) that even the most fearless researcher would have been hesitant to culture. Food particles with peculiar growths. Scents to entice the fussiest of Sasquatch(s) down from the hills to mate.

In light of how hard we work, I find the above disrespectful and indicative of a burgeoning sense of entitlement. (Your mileage will vary on that perspective!)

I took my son aside and went "old school." As in "You may be a teenager, however I see you as a young adult. Question: Are you a member of this family or do you board here?" (Toss in Mommy death stare...)

Son (tossing in look of "oh crap, wish I had a different Mom.") says "Family member."

Me: "Well, when I was your age, your Oma worked, like I do now. I cleaned the house, did the laundry and marketing, and made dinner four nights a week while maintaining an "A" average....care to explain to me how you are going to participate?" (Yeah I know even I can barely believe I did the "when I was your age I walked 5 miles through the snow chased by rabid hellhounds, barefoot, while selling pencils to get to school." approach.)

Son "I could clean my room."

So once a week I say "When are you cleaning your room." He usually says "Now." I say "Thank You."

Well, hallelujah and it only took 5 years!!!!!

And commuter I hate to think of you in a messy space. I'm calling "Clean House". Just one thing, when Niecy and the crew get there...give Mat my phone number.

Tres
who tried closing the door, but the knob was too sticky to touch