DEAR HARRIETTE: My son has gotten into the habit of blasting workout music even though he has perfectly good headphones. We have a few pieces of exercise equipment in the basement, and I got him headphones so he can lift weights while keeping the noise limited to the basement. The last thing I want to hear in the morning is heavy bass and rap music. My son refuses to budge and says this is how he motivates himself to get fit. What can I do to restore my sanity while keeping my son happy? -- 7 a.m. DJ, Pikesville, Maryland
DEAR 7 A.M. DJ: Set ground rules at home. Celebrate your son for his commitment to fitness as you let him know that he cannot play music audibly until after an allotted time that works for you, whatever that is. If he suggests that you are impeding his fitness progress, give him the option of working out at a gym or at home wearing earphones. Until he owns his own home, he must abide by your rules, including respecting your desire for peace and quiet in the early morning.
Your job is to teach and remind your son about respect and boundaries. His job, in his mind, is to push the boundaries. Push back, and do not budge. Define consequences if he ignores you.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)