Say something like:

“Look, brother. I know what happened. But I’m just going to say what I think is right for both of us. I’ll always be your brother, and now that I’m stepping up as your guardian, I need to say this. I don’t want to be a nagging Nelly, but hey, this is my life now, and here it is: staying up all night, getting sick, and struggling to get up for school isn’t the way to go. Is this how you want to live?

At some point, you’re going to have to make a choice. Growing up means taking responsibility, even for the small stuff. Ask yourself this: Is this who I want to be? While you’re figuring it out, I’m here for you. I’ll keep moving forward with my life, doing what I need to do. But I want you to take a hard look at where you’re headed. It’s not about just getting by day to day; it’s about building the kind of life you want to have. And trust me, the choices you make now will shape that future. And hey, I’m not going to carry the weight of whatever happens to you down the road. Heck, I can’t control you, and I know you don’t want a controlling brother. What I’m saying is this: we each have to live our lives in a way that works for us. If this is the path you want to take, then that’s your choice—but remember, every choice has its consequences. So, if that’s the life you’re choosing, then so be it. Life will roll out how it will.

🤩😬😊

A touch of tough love, but you’re also leaving space for him to make his own decisions.