Ooooh, I like the paper plate & plastic cup idea ! But of course you're going to have to feed yourself and your husband off real plates. Then again, they are teenagers, they wont care much, it will just be easier on you. You are being made out to be the evil step monster. Make your husband step up ! I'm telling you, next time they need their laundry done, bring them both over to the washer, and show them both how to run both machines, then maybe even tape directions to both on the wall above them, so they can read the directions themselves. Do you have a dishwasher ? If yes, as soon as they are both finished eating, tell them to immediately rise their dishes and put them in the dishwasher. It's that easy. You can do it, but if you let the mess sit around, then so will they. If you want to make them interchange dish washing night, then immediately after dinner, one of them gets to work in the kitchen. Like other poster said, the computer goes off and stays off untill kitchen is cleaned. These are all things that will prepare them for adult hood, and taking care of themselves. It's time for them to learn responsibility anyway. Get cracking woman !!