My 13-year-old son takes hour-long showers. I’ve tried to explain to him he can’t do that because we’re low on money and the water bill keeps rising. How am I supposed to handle this?

It can be challenging to address a situation like this with a teenager, but there are a few steps you can take to address the issue:

1. Have an open and honest conversation: Talk to your son and explain the situation to him. Let him know that the water bill is getting expensive and that taking long showers is contributing to the problem. Be clear and direct, but also empathetic and understanding.
2. Set clear expectations: Let your son know what you expect from him in terms of showering. Explain that showers should be shorter and that he needs to be mindful of the water bill. Set a reasonable time limit for showers and stick to it.
3. Find alternatives: Encourage your son to find other ways to relax or unwind that don’t involve taking long showers. This might include reading, doing yoga, or listening to music. Help him find ways to manage stress or anxiety that don’t involve using excessive amounts of water.
4. Consider consequences: If your son continues to take long showers despite your efforts to address the issue, it may be necessary to impose consequences. This might include limiting his access to electronics or other privileges until he can respect the rules around showering.
5. Lead by example: Finally, be sure to model the behavior you want to see from your son. Take shorter showers yourself, and be mindful of your water usage. This will show your son that you are serious about conserving water and that you are committed to finding a solution to the problem.

Remember, it’s important to approach this issue with empathy and understanding. Your son may not fully understand the impact his behavior is having on the household budget, so it’s important to take the time to explain the situation to him and work together to find a solution that works for everyone.