How to make him more responsible and less carefree

[mommalovesya]

My son is (as far as I know) healthy and very smart.  However, he has pushed the envelope on his carefree attitude.  He's constantly throwing down and rushing whatever is asked of him in order to do what he wants to do.  Eating healthy is also almost impossible with this guy.  He loves to play outside with friends and yes, we have taken that away when needing a measure of punishment.  But after the initial shock of not getting to do what he loves most he's back humming and smiling with his "whatever" attitude.  We have one child that is responsible and makes great grades.  This one makes good grades but lacks any desire to be responsible or stay on task.  Is this normal and can we be hopeful that he will grow out of this stage?  I am losing hope that things will change.  Please help!

Thanks for your insight.
mommalovesya

[babygirl6152]

tell us the age- and a child will need reminders for chores usually til age 14
I am not kidding- the brain is well developed to need no reminders in the early 20's/ and the age of majority is 21 because of this
Staying on task- could you give an example? Outright defiance and disrespect are the things to worry about til age 12- not forgetfulness or odd behavior or even mistakes. Now if he is asked to do xyz and he rushes thru it- this is the time to be a good parent and say- come back and try again- he will get the idea that you won't do it for him- and he will be called back in to fix it anywas- try telling him at the outset " DO it right the first time and you can go on about with your friends" It is getting on your nerves maybe but these are not big concerns- I am ALL FOR obeying and getting RESPECT- read my journal- but micromanaging our children is not a good idea- RELAX mom

They are possibly just two completely different types of sons emotionally- you can celebrate that.

eating healthy is to be encouraged- but we still don't push it- in our 16 year old and it is hard but the taste beds have changed little by little and every year they will ant to try new things- DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT- give him a multivitamin-

[margypops]

Well here's my insight , he sounds great a child one  to be proud of, and I suspect you are, in spite of the somewhat negative tones about his behavior,Focus on his positive side and praise when you catch him doing something good, some people rush around I have to tell you I am one off them, my whole life has been like that and yet I have been a successful woman and mother, and yes there were difficult times,Dont even want to make him change from being carefree , the responsible will happen soon enough trust me.