How To Let Your Parents Know

• Do not wash your own dishes. Whenever possible, set your dirty dishes aside, perhaps under your bed or in a dresser drawer, until after your parents have washed their own. Then, collect your dishes and place them where they will be the most visible. This will let your parents know you have eaten. 

•  Do not do your own laundry. Just let it accumulate. Use extra towels when showering. This will let your parents know you are observing basic hygiene. 

•  Invite your friends to sleep over and let them dirty a few dishes or use a few towels. This will let your parents know that your friends have the same habits as you. 

• Recycled items should not be placed inside blue bags. Placing milk cartons, cereal boxes, etc. beside or on top of blue bags lets your parents know you are finished with them and that these items are to be recycled. It will also let your parents know what needs to be purchased in order to keep the supply of food constant.

• When entering or exiting a room, always slam the door behind you. (Not turning the doorknob helps). This will let your parents know where you are.

• Do not lock the outside door behind you. This will let your parents know you have misplaced your key again and that you need another one.

• Turn on every light in the house, even when it is unnecessary. This will let your parents know you appreciate having electricity.

• If you use drugs, leave your paraphernalia or leftovers in plain view. This will let your parents know that you are not keeping any secrets from them. 

• When your parents are having a conversation, whether with you, with themselves, or anyone else, be sure to correct their pronunciation. This will let your parents know you are paying attention in school. Another way to illustrate this is to point out how much more knowledgeable you are about current affairs. 

• Always let your parents know your whereabouts. If you are in the kitchen, preparing your own lunch, slam a few doors and clang a few pots. If you are in the bathroom, drop the toilet seat loudly or sing like Kurt Cobain in the shower. If you are in your bedroom, play your DVD player, your stereo, and any musical instruments you may have. And remember, if you are leaving the home, slam the door.