how do u get a 15 yr old to help more and less time on the pc and video games.he only takes trash out?

Answer 1

This is an easy one. I am a mother of 4 children. We have the most cooperative helpful boys. Make him do chores to earn computer time, otherwise no computer. This is one way. If money is a good incentive do what we do. Make a list of chores that he has to do every single day. Tell him if he does this everyday without being told he gets a set amount of allowance for the week or month. We use the month method. Put on the fridge a page with the total amount of allowance. So all through the month, you can keep a tally of rewards and punishments. In other words, mouthing off costs you a dollar for each instance. Helping do an extra chore gives you plus 2 dollars etc. At the end of the week/month tally it up and pay him. You will find this is an excellent way to develop your young man into a responsible individual. Don't be surprised, if the first month, he has squandered his allowance on bad behaviour. We try to give lots of extra duties at the end so as to encourage them to strive harder. Plus you must maintain the punishment rewards scenario consistently. If there is a behaviour you wish to extinguish, don't be afraid to say, minus 5, then wait you will see this behaviour disappear. By the way, my husband created this method. He is absolutely brilliant.

Answer 2

Yep, I minded my parents way better than my children mind me. But then, my parents weren't worried about getting in trouble with the law for punishing me in whatever way they felt was necessary to keep me in line ( NO, I am not suggesting that they were abusive). These days the rules make being a parent more difficult. I have taken the power cord off the computer and hidden it. That seems to work the best. I also try to do something that involves leaving the house when all the chores have been kept up with for awhile. But I don't make a big deal about it or promise it will happen, because I can't always do it. I think it helps re-enforce the idea of having fun that DOESN'T include the electronics.

Answer 3

Sheer tough love is the ONLY way to go! I had to do that with my now 18 year old who's only interest is video games. My PCs are set up where he does NOT know the password, therefore, he cannot have free access. He has been holding down a part-time job since 15 1/2 years old; I told him that I was no longer supporting his video game habits. Now he pays for his own with whatever his peanut pay will allow him, and I refuse to contribute! I have also threatened to cut off power to his room; after all, it is MY house he lives in; he needs to be taught respect and responsibility!

Answer 4

lol good luck! I have a 17 yr old with the same problem! I think unplugging the computer for awhile helps. It forces them to do something else besides game. I literally will take the power cord off and put a password in place on the computer (in case they get resourceful and find another lol). If you do not know how to put a password on, go to your control panel, click on User accounts (this is of course, assuming you have Windows XP as your OS) under the user accounts there is an option to add a password. Add your password and save it. Be sure that you disable all other XP user accounts or put passwords on those too. And remember what the password is!

It actually forced my son to get outside and actually get some exercise! He actually rode his BMX bike around after it sat there for a year! As for getting them to help around the house, I cannot help you there. Guilt works sometimes but teens don't do housework lol it is beneath them! (this of course is said sarcastically!)

Best of luck to you.

Answer 5

Give him/her a list of "particulars" that you want him/her to do on a daily basis. When those "chores" are done, give him/her the priviledge of the computer or games for a limited amount of time daily.
If that doesn't work, take them away completely for a while.
There's so much more to life for a 15 year old than to only be on a computer and video games all day.

Answer 6

Make a list of the stuff you would like for him to do to help out then let him know that if these things aren't done by the day or time that YOU have given then he gets no computer or the other stuff he enjoys. by teaching him to take care of first things first then he will feel better about himself and other people when they do there work. the only reward is the regular stuff he already enjoys. nothing more. he/she will thank you later, i promise from the mother of 1girl 20, 2 boys 10-9

Answer 7

My daughter is 15 and spends all her time in her room listening to music. When I get tired of it or have chores for her, I give her the ultimatum, c.d.s are expendable! It has been her loss before. I'm not saying break the computer, but you can unplug it, or turn off the internet. The games are sometimes just as fragile as c.d.s!

Answer 8

You have the right to take away priveleges. Remember that your the boss and the parent that needs to teach responsibilty. Having someone get their way all the time won't be helping anybody out. Reinforce your authority and keep it simple. All he needs to understand is that helping out is more for him than you and if he fails that he'll fail himself by not having a pc or video game to play with.

Answer 9

Assuming your the Mother, you lay down rules about how much time can be spent on the computer. Chores have to be completed first and it needs to be more than just taking out the trash.

Answer 10

Tell him to get off the computer. I'm assuming you are the parent/guardian/adult. Act like one and put him in his place. What kind of a question is this??? This is what is wrong with American families. Parents whining and complaining about their children being out of control and not listening but the parents aren't taking control of the situation. "Oh little Billy won't get off the computer to do his chores". UNPLUG IT! Be a parent.