I where you're coming from, but don't despair, they can be trained.
My kids are now very efficient power users.
What works is removing their light globes and the aerial connection! :angel::wasntme:
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We have been stand alone for over 6 years now using only a very basic solar system and a rather old battery bank .
It has been interesting to say the least .
We have always run a back up generator though , so when ever the power goes out , I just power it up.
The funny thing , although some what frustrating some days , is that the smaller farms over the road have power and the pole for us to connect too is just across the road .. That can be some what of a temptation when our power goes out .
We chose to be stand alone and I even cut the phone line in to the property.
As for the grand kids of which between myself and my partner , we have 17 , they just get told straight up that things are how they are !!! and to suck it in , but nearly every time , my kids ( the parents of all these little monsters:D crack up ) and I wind up caving and firing the gen up .. lolol
No matter how strange people may think living off the grid may be , personally I would have it no other way .
No dependence on anything out side my property , is just how we love it !
cheers
Steve