Can you think of a suitable 'punishment' to fit the 'crime'?

[MarionCole]

DSD (almost 14) uses the shower each night before bed and every night forgets to leave the bathroom door open so the steam can't escape. As a result, the paint is badly peeling off the ceiling and it's doing my head in.

I have explained why it needs to be kept open, put a notice on both the bathroom door and her bedroom door, but it still remains shut.

I have snapped and have decided to repaint the room but for my own sanity I have to make sure she listens this time.

Clearly as a teenager shouting at her has an inverse effect.

I can't be bothered to go upstairs every night to check on something she should be capable of doing.

I could make her do the repainting but I'll just end up redoing it.

My only other thought is to threaten to screw something onto the door which means it will never properly close again (I only mean an inch, just enough to let the steam out). Knowing how she protects her privacy though, it seems a bit harsh.

I am fully aware I am creating a mountain out of a molehill here and I should be grateful she's not out all hours riding in cars with boys!

Have you had any success in getting a teenager to do something they don't want to do? She's claiming she forgets but I think she's being stubborn.

[MiffyWhinge]

my perspective is probably shot to pieces but I can't imagine worrying about something like this

[PureAsTheColdDrivenSnow]

My Mum has been trying to get my sister to leave the bathroom window open after her steaming hot baths - it's taken 10 years, but she's finally got it

don't you have an extract or anything in the bathroom?

[claricebeansmum]

In the scheme of teenagers...don't fight battles that are not worth it.

You should have an extractor fan.

[LaurieFairyCake]

Dock 20p pocket money every single day she leaves it open.

I am about to do the same to dd as she is leaving her electric blanket on the highest setting and then leaving for school. A minor niggle but she's been told enough times.

[2shoes]

hmm having been there with our ds(forever not putting the fan on) tbh I would just do it myself, and then one day she will just do it(happened with ds)

[coldtits]

She 6does^ forget, why on earth would she be doing it to be spiteful?

Either screw something to the door to stop it closing, or drop the subject. You won't drill this into her head.

[nickschick]

I would imagine that she closes the door for privacy and the only alternative I can think is to have the window open a tad.

could you lamiate a sign and stick it on the shower?

take the shampoo and she has to ask for it so you can remind her how annoying it is to have to keep asking the same questions?

Perhaps using a special paint when you repaint it will help
?

[PureAsTheColdDrivenSnow]

Only thing I can think of is make her paint the bathroom.

I personally wouldn't do this, I think you should just leave it (I remember being this forgetful with turning lights off as a teenager - I still leave them all on upstairs. It's not deliberate though)

[BitOfFun]

It's the kind of thing that I 'remind' about before the event, especially if it's an on-going issue. Only this morning I reminded dss(14) that if he left a wet towel on the floor this morning, I would remove his gonads.

Seems to have worked.

[StayingDavidTennantsGirl]

Fix the window slightly open so the steam can escape, and she can shower in privacy, but the bathroom will be chilly. Tell her you'll reverse this once you see she is consistently leaving the bathroom door open after her shower.

[MarionCole]

I did say at the start that I know this is no big deal.

Withholding pocket money won't make a difference, she's not bothered about money.

She does have a strong track record of doing things because she know it wind us up, which is why I'm not sure it's just forgetfulness.

I don't really want to 'punish' her though, I would just like her to stop doing it!

Thanks for your comments. We do have an extractor fan but that never gets put on either. I though leaving the door open was an easier battle to fight.

[anonamater]

As the owner of two teenagers, and a previously mouldy bathroom ceiling, my best advice is to fit an extractor fan. It's not worth the argument; I certainly coul'nt be consistent and forgot to open the door myself on occasion. Doubt she's being vindictive; more likely it ranks way below 'what am I going to wear tomorrow' and 'does he like me" on her 14yr old radar.

Suppose if an extractor fan isn't an option you could get her to help you paint the ceiling.

[MarionCole]

Quite like that idea SDTG

[StayingDavidTennantsGirl]

I have teenagers of my own, Marion - it brings out the evil in me.

[Mems]

Am contemplating starting a thread about how my DD never seems to close any doors!!! Do know what you mean though Marion - same DD can't seem to pull the shower curtain across properly and we now have a lovely hole in the kitchen ceiling!!

[Tortington]

14 year old uses shower every night.

wow.

this is not a punishable offence imo. just open the door or window.

[RustyCoathanger]

if its really bad restrict her access

[tatt]

choose your battles. Personally I'd fit an extractor fan, open the window before she goes in or go upstairs each time and nag her imemdiately after she has done it.