To do list

Alot of stuff happens in the daily life of a boy. You have to eat, play video games, watch cartoons, go to school and sometimes extra curricular activities. It's these last two that get in the way.
Sterling recently lost his cell phone in Hawaii. In talking to friends, it's understandable. You are in a new environment and there's lots to see and lots of distractions. OK, I get it.

The problem I have, as a dad, is being responsible for your stuff.

Sterling has shown extraordinary skill at NOT being responsible for his stuff.
I bought him a skateboard for his birthday. He left it outside for three days before he noticed. He leaves some stuff at moms, forgets to bring homework home, can't get ready for taekwondo, bike is left outside, on and on and on. (read half of the previous blogs)

Some argue that he is 12 and a boy and this is status quo. I hear ya. But this is MY 12 year old boy. If anyone should start teaching him responsibility, it's the dad...ME.

After the Hawaii trip, I explained to him that he wouldn't be getting a replacement phone. Not until he proves to me and his mom that he is responsible enough to have one. (by the way, I should mention that while in Hawaii, he called me to let me know that he lost his phone and would I cancel his service and buy him a new phone).
First days back from Hawaii, he stayed with his mom. Upon coming home, I found out he left his backpack and skateboard over at his moms. Not a good start.
Today I left him a todo list. It was to be done while I was at work AND before he went out to play. It was an easy list. Clean room, put clothes away, water a plant, take recycles out and brush teeth. I was pleasantly surprised when I came home. The list was done. (I had given him two other things to do but didn't put them on the list. They obviously didn't get done).
I went into his room and it was spotless. Clothes put away...awesome. Checked his bathroom as he leaves his underwear on the ground after a shower. Nothing!
Then I went into the laundry room to check if there was a towel in there. (a sign if he did shower).

THERE IT WAS!
Not the towel...the clothes. The washer was jam-packed with clean clothes. So much so, I had to take out a small load worth. Instead of putting clothes away...he put them in the washer.
I'm not positive he brushed his teeth, either. The sink was dry and so was his toothbrush.
Plant was watered and recycles were gone. Ok, I was premature in thinking the list was done.

Three...maybe four of the things I asked to get done, got done. Not a bad start.
Some of the clothes he put away. It's just easier to put them in the washer than hang something up.

As I write this, it's 3:05. It's a taekwondo day. He should be home at 4 to eat and get ready.
I'll add an addendum to this after taekwondo...if we even go.

I so want him to be responsible...