We just had a good, long talk. I tried to explain it in a way that he understands by using Daddy as his example. I also told him for the millionth time that every choice has a consequence. When he chooses to have a good attitude, work hard, and do his best, he will not only get the job done faster, but he will also be able to stand back and take pride in his work when it’s done. But, if he chooses to have a stinky attitude, give half an effort, and complain, he will have more work to do later and nothing to be proud of.
It is comforting to know that this is common at this age, but at the same time, it’s my kid, you know? I’m not changing my standard for him to be a responsible, hard-working young man, and I don’t feel like our expectations of him right now are unreachable. He has been wiping baseboards since he was five, and he’s never liked it; but that doesn’t mean that baseboards don’t need wiping anyway. We all have to do things that we don’t want to or don’t like because that’s just LIFE. I even explained to him that sometimes I don’t want to get into the kitchen for the fourth time in one day and make another meal so that we’ll have supper that evening, but I do it anyway because I love my family and I want to put their needs and wants above my own.
This isn’t the only area of our son’s life that we’ve observed selfishness. But ending it has to start somewhere, so it might as well be with his attitude and laziness.
We are staying very calm about this. No spanking, yelling, or anger has been involved in handling our son so far. We are trying to be very respectful with him while at the same time making it clear that he has choices and every choice has its consequences. He has to live with whatever choice he makes, and hopefully that will teach him to be wiser next time.
I was just hoping there was something we could do or say to help him understand that we’re not letting up on this one or giving in to his attitude or complaints; it’s only going to be worse for him if he continues to choose this path.