DEAR ABBY: My 18-year-old son can't -- or won't -- get himself out of bed in the morning for work. He relies on my wife or me to get him up. He has an alarm clock, but he turns it off and goes right back to sleep.
Two nights ago, I told him I would no longer be responsible for getting him out of bed in the morning; it was time for him to assume responsibility for himself. He countered with the accusation that if he lost his job because he was late, it would be my fault for not waking him.
Abby, I would feel bad if he lost his job, but I can't see that it would be my fault. Should I continue to be his human alarm clock or let the chips fall where they may? Is it wrong to make a young adult face the music for his actions (or lack of them, in this case)? -- DAD, THE MORNING ROOSTER
DEAR DAD: No, it's not wrong to make your son face the consequences of his actions. He's an adult now, and it's time for him to get up on his own. Anyone can do it if he's properly motivated, and you won't always be around to pry him out of bed. You gave your son an important wake-up call: It's time for him to rise and shine on his own.