Expert: David Simonsen - 10/8/2009

Question
Hi Dave,
my question is very much like one you have answered before. It was from a 60 year old mother of a 27 year old son who abused alcohol and drugs each day, did not work and she wanted him to move out. My story is the same but my son is 19 yrs old, quit school when he was 16 and refuses to help out at home or work. Should I follow the same advice you gave her to put his belongings outside and charge him with trespassing? I admit that I am having guilt issues, not being persistent, and failing him in some way.


Answer
Laura,
I think that since he is 19 you give him a week or so to prove himself and that he wants to change. If he doesn't make any move to do it, then I suggest you give him the opportunity to experience life on his own and see if it suits him more. You clearly need to explain to him what you expect from him.
David
www.help4life.net