How do you 'teach' initiative?

mountainofdebt

Before I start, let me say Junior is a good lad - never had any issues with him regarding school, never been in trouble with the Police and does help when I ask. For example he did a pile of ironing for me this week.

But the problem is just that .....I have to ask.

If I don't, even the things that are blinding obvious don't get done and it really is time that he took his blinkers off.

So how do you teach initiative?

peachyprice

I don't know. But if you do find out please let me know, my OH still hasn't found it at the ripe old age of 39.:D

Errata

Males and dogs need very clear verbal instructions. They only use their initiative when they're doing something they shouldn't be.

dizzyblonde82

peachyprice wrote: »

I don't know. But if you do find out please let me know, my OH still hasn't found it at the ripe old age of 39.:D

I'd also love to know too My DH is 33 and still can't manage to go food shopping without ringing me, even when he is sent with a list!!!

Guinea_2

Once you find out, please let me know. Also....if you DO find out then you could bottle it and make a FORTUNE!! Very MSN!

julie03

initiative in a male? ive not seen it yet

jackomdj

I would probably start by saying that in return for "insert something he wants" you want him to do three jobs that he thinks are a good exchange. This way you are starting to make him aware of surroundings and that actions get results.

Also may be worth assigning tasks to him, like setting the table, taking the bin out. Try to let him know you do not want to nag but for him to be aware of when it needs doing.

Having said all that my children are still little so not at that stage but they know to take plates out, rubbish goes in bin, recycling by back door etc

Sambucus_Nigra

Mum - can I have some pocket money
Yes, once the chores are done
What Chores?
[resist the obvious], well have a look round, can you see any?
Um, no
What's in the washing basket then?
Um clothes
And what do we do next with them?
wear them
inbetween?
iron them
Bingo - do that and find and complete 2 more chores all by yourself and we can talk turkey.

*Louise*

mountainofdebt wrote: »

Before I start, let me say Junior is a good lad - never had any issues with him regarding school, never been in trouble with the Police and does help when I ask. For example he did a pile of ironing for me this week.

But the problem is just that .....I have to ask.

If I don't, even the things that are blinding obvious don't get done and it really is time that he took his blinkers off.

So how do you teach initiative?

You can't.

You just congratulate yourself on having a son who will do the ironing and be content with that You are very lucky.

Expecting him to think about doing it himself just aint going to happen....give up now before it turns you grey :rotfl:

DVardysShadow

mountainofdebt wrote: »

Before I start, let me say Junior is a good lad - never had any issues with him regarding school, never been in trouble with the Police and does help when I ask. For example he did a pile of ironing for me this week.

But the problem is just that .....I have to ask.

If I don't, even the things that are blinding obvious don't get done and it really is time that he took his blinkers off.

So how do you teach initiative?

If your biggest complaint is that you have to ask, but what you do ask for gets done, you should not meddle or attempt to optimise, let alone come here with a whinge. It will be counterproductive.

Besides, expecting to teach initiative is a bit of an oxymoron. Initiative is learnt.

poet123

If you manage to do it you could write a manual for "dummies" and we would be queuing round the block to buy it. You would make a mint. But tell us here first.