Hi, my name is Emily Jones, and I’m what you’d call a typical 13 year old kid who lives at home with my parents, my brother Jason, and our ten year old cat, Mudball. (If you saw her, you’d know why my older brother calls her that).
Like any typical teenager, I’d forget to take care of about half of what my parents nag me about, I mean, ask me to do everyday. Whether it’s turning out the lights, setting the table, putting away my dirty clothes … I’d average about two reminders per event. Hey, that’s not too bad, Jason has to be reminded like … five times!
But where I really got into trouble was with the personal hygiene stuff. You know, brushing my teeth twice a day, washing my hair often enough, and other stuff. Well, I’m sure you’ve been there yourself, so you probably get the drill.
Well, this past year I figured I heard enough griping to last me a lifetime. (Ignore, Jason. He thinks it was his idea. Like the whole world revolves around him. Huh.) Anyway, I decided to do something about it. I listed all the “personal hygiene” things I got nagged about, and wrote down the solutions. Next I followed everything up with supporting research from medical experts. I even made checklists that I can run through quickly to help keep me on track.
The upshot of it all is that I’m happier and healthier both physically and emotionally. And an added bonus is that I don’t have these constant battles with my parents about this stuff, when they were just trying to look after me.
All the changes I’ve done have become second nature so they’re easy now, and I don’t mind doing them. Sure I might forget something now and then, but I’m 200% better than I was before, and I like that.
But what I really like is not fighting over this stuff anymore. It’s a big relief for everybody in the house, and we get along so much better. It’s kinda amazing!
Even my friends noticed the change in atmosphere when they came over my house. I finally broke down and told Jodie and Elizabeth, my two best friends, what was going on … And they couldn’t believe it.
They both wanted to try it for themselves, so I gave them my notes to use as a guide. They never even told their parents what they were up to, but after only one week they were convinced! The program worked for them too!
And it’s because of Jodie and Elizabeth that you’re reading this now. They talked me into expanding my notes into a book to help other kids get their parents off their backs, and out of their bathrooms!
So, if you want a happy, healthier, and more stress free home front … slap down a few bucks and invest a little extra time each day – And just like my friends, you’ll be amazed at the rewards!
Take care and be well,
Emily Jones.
