What is the best way for me to get my spoiled teenager?
My kids are starting to go this way… Bribery is probably best. Pay her for jobs done in the house, or make pocket money conditional on setting the table, making her bed etc. without moaning. Think of an update on the old ‘star chart’ she had as a toddler (two weeks of good behaviour = special treat). I think ‘well-behaved’ is the best you can hope for at 14; you can’t expect them to think like adults. It sounds as though she has too much time on her hands to compare herself with others (too much TV? I speak from experience here!). Try to foster her friends who’ve got an interest she could get involved with, such as dance classes, am dram, or a sport that she might enjoy. Mine has recently found a girl to go swimming with – it’s a start…
Some of what you are mentioning goes with being a teenager and trying to sort out who you are and where you fit into the world. Some kids have an easier time with this than others. As a teenager we all thought we had the answers to EVERYTHING and no one could tell us something we didn’t already know. Sometimes the school of hard knocks is the best teacher. I didn’t get that school was important for a getting a better job until I had to pay for things myself. That was a real eye opener! I would try sitting down with her and talking about her future plans. Then try and show her how much it costs to live in the world and how far you will or won’t get based on how much you make (degree vs no degree). Also, I would get her a tutor for her school work. Right now her job is school and that in my house is not negotiable. Rewards and extras are not gimmies, they are based on my children’s grades and school work. Set up a reward system with her. Something as simple as a movie on Saturday or a ma
