How to start homeschooling: step four-wait

Right now my teen is lying in bed watching anime on his phone. He woke up half an hour ago...I don't think he's that unusual, I am hearing from lots of friends that their teens are doing that too. It's really tempting to start laying down the rules. Yesterday my husband said we should be setting up a schedule for them, no sleeping until 2 everyday. And I am hearing that from a lot of other people too, that kids (and adults) need routine, and consistency, and to know what's happening and expected. And I agree. But I have learned if I wait, and watch, and maybe do it for myself, that my kids will follow my lead. 

If I don't say anything, (eventhough I'm so tempted) in a couple days, that sleeping in teen will come downstairs and say, "Mom, tomorrow wake me up at 11, I don't want to be sleeping all day." Or, "I'm going to download a book on _____ from overdrive, can you give me the library card." 

Trust me, I know how painfully hard it is to wait for your kid to get somewhere on their own, especially if you know it's important, and I'm not saying you'll never have to give them a push, I'm just suggesting, if you hold off on giving that push, you may not need to do it.

UPDATE: My 18 year old has spent the last 3 months learning to cook, inspired by his sister's boyfriend. Self-direction for the win!

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