1. He never … his bed. If I make it, I find strange things in it like dirty socks, CDs without their boxes... 2. He never… his room - it's always a mess. The floor is covered with empty Coke cans, more dirty socks... 3. She…wet towels on the bathroom floor and doesn't pick them up. 4. She walks around the house eating food without a plate, usually just after I've… the floor. She then says 'Sorry' with an angelic smile. 5. He has breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home, but he never… the washing up. 6. When she comes into the living room she always…the channel on the TV — usually when I'm watching my favourite programme. 7. We bought a dog for him, because he promised to…it for a walk every day. Guess who always does it? 8. She always…her homework at the last minute - usually late on Sunday night. This means she needs the Internet just when her sister is 'chatting' with her friends

1. He never makes his bed. If I make it, I find strange things in it like dirty socks, CDs without their boxes...

To solve this problem, we need to address his habit of not making his bed. Firstly, we can have a conversation with him to explain the importance of keeping a clean and organized room. We can explain that making the bed is a simple task that helps maintain cleanliness and orderliness. Additionally, we can discuss the benefits of a clean living space, such as increased productivity and a positive mindset.

To encourage him to make his bed, we can create a routine by setting a specific time each morning for him to complete this task. We can also make it a fun activity by involving him in choosing the bedsheets or adding decorative pillows. Providing positive reinforcement, such as compliments or small rewards, can also motivate him to continue making his bed.

2. He never cleans his room - it's always a mess. The floor is covered with empty Coke cans, more dirty socks...

Dealing with a messy room requires a systematic approach. Firstly, we can discuss the importance of cleanliness, hygiene, and the negative effects of a messy room. Next, we can teach him strategies for organizing his belongings, such as dividing them into categories (clothes, books, toys) and assigning specific places for each category.

To motivate him to clean his room, we can break down the task into smaller, manageable steps and set achievable goals. For example, we can start by cleaning the floor and then move on to organizing his wardrobe or desk. Offering assistance and guidance will show him that we support his efforts. As he sees the progress and experiences the benefits of a clean room, he may become more motivated to maintain it.

3. She leaves wet towels on the bathroom floor and doesn't pick them up.

To address this issue, we need to emphasize the importance of cleanliness, hygiene, and personal responsibility. We can explain the negative consequences of leaving wet towels on the bathroom floor, such as a damp, unpleasant smell and the potential growth of bacteria.

To encourage her to pick up her wet towels, we can establish a routine for towel usage and discuss the importance of hanging them up after use. We can show her how to properly hang towels on hooks or towel bars and explain that this not only keeps the bathroom clean but also prolongs the lifespan of the towels. Providing reminders and gentle prompts can help reinforce this new habit until it becomes automatic.

4. She walks around the house eating food without a plate, usually just after I've cleaned the floor. She then says 'Sorry' with an angelic smile.

To tackle this issue, we need to address her habit of eating without a plate and the lack of consideration for the cleanliness of the house. Firstly, we can have a conversation to explain the importance of using plates and how it helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

To change this behavior, we can establish clear rules and expectations regarding eating habits in the house. For example, we can inform her that from now on, she needs to use a plate or a napkin while eating to avoid any spillage or mess. We can also emphasize the importance of cleaning up after oneself and explain that it is not only for her benefit but also for the overall cleanliness and harmony of the household.

Consistency is key in reinforcing this habit. We can provide gentle reminders and correct her behavior whenever she forgets to use a plate. Positive reinforcement, such as praising her when she follows the rule, can also motivate her to continue with this new habit.

5. He has breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home, but he never does the washing up.

To address this issue, we need to teach him the importance of taking responsibility for his own actions and contributing to household chores. Firstly, we can explain that washing up after meals helps maintain cleanliness and creates a pleasant environment for everyone in the house.

To encourage him to do the washing up, we can create a routine where he is responsible for cleaning up after specific meals. We can provide guidance and show him the proper way to clean dishes, utensils, and other kitchen items. Additionally, we can involve him in the process of meal preparation and cleanup, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility. Positive reinforcement, such as expressing appreciation for his efforts or small rewards, can motivate him to continue with this habit.

6. When she comes into the living room, she always changes the channel on the TV — usually when I'm watching my favorite program.

To address this issue, we need to teach her the value of respecting others' preferences and personal space. We can discuss the importance of communication and seeking permission before making changes that affect others in the household.

To promote better TV viewing etiquette, we can establish guidelines and boundaries for using the TV. For example, we can designate specific time slots for each family member to watch their favorite programs or agree on a rotation system. We can also encourage open communication by asking her to politely request permission before changing the channel or suggesting alternative ways to enjoy TV time without interrupting others.

Consistency is crucial in reinforcing this new behavior. We can provide reminders and gently redirect her if she forgets to ask for permission. Encouraging empathy and understanding the impact of her actions on others can help foster a more considerate attitude.

7. We bought a dog for him because he promised to take it for a walk every day. Guess who always does it?

To address this issue, we need to discuss the importance of keeping promises and taking responsibility for the commitments we make. We can explain that having a pet requires regular care and attention, including daily walks to ensure its well-being.

To encourage him to fulfill his promise, we can have an open and honest conversation about his responsibilities as a pet owner. We can discuss the positive impact of regular exercise on the dog's health and happiness. Additionally, we can create a schedule where he is solely responsible for taking the dog for a walk at specific times of the day. Providing support and guidance, especially initially, can ensure the dog is well taken care of and help him develop a sense of responsibility.

If he continues to neglect his responsibilities, we may need to revisit the conversation and discuss the consequences of not fulfilling promises, such as finding alternative arrangements for the dog's daily walks or further limitations on his privileges.

8. She always does her homework at the last minute - usually late on Sunday night. This means she needs the Internet just when her sister is 'chatting' with her friends.

To address this issue, we need to emphasize the importance of time management, planning, and prioritization. We can explain that leaving homework until the last minute can cause unnecessary stress and result in lower quality work.

To help her improve her homework habits, we can teach her effective time management techniques. For example, we can encourage her to break down her homework into smaller tasks and set realistic deadlines for each task. We can also explain the benefits of starting early, such as having more time for revision and being able to ask for help if needed.

To avoid conflicts with her sister's internet usage, we can establish a schedule or allocate specific time slots for internet use. For instance, we can agree that she will have dedicated time to use the internet for her homework without interrupting her sister's activities.

Consistency and support are crucial in helping her develop better homework habits. We can provide guidance, offer assistance when necessary, and praise her efforts when she completes her homework in a timely and efficient manner.