What parent hasn’t heard that phrase a billion times? Or at least some version of the “Will you give me?” or “How can I earn?” or just “Do you have any money?” While I have gotten pretty numb to it, there are times when it can grate on my last nerve.
The thing is, my kids are quite old enough to earn their own money and they did all three get quite a bit of money from different sources for the holidays. However, all three of them have different levels of money-management skills and different personalities when it comes to dealing with money. Even though they all know that I am not in the habit of just handing out money for no reason, there is still one of them who asks.
I do try to be understanding. I know that it is much harder to find a job for the average teenager than it used to be. Recently, I decided to go on the state employment web site where hundreds of jobs are listed just to see. Many of the jobs that I remember as being perfect “teen” jobs all say “minimum age 18.” Even newspaper delivery, which used to be THE kid job, has become an adult, drivers-only job in my area. My middle daughter has been putting in applictions and making the rounds for several months and I understand her discouragement. But, I still believe that independence is out there, and she is not alone in her search. Meanwhile, I’m still not able to bankrole everyone!
Like any other phase of parenting, I know that this money drain period is temporary (oh, boy, do I hope it is temporary!) and that if I stay focused on helping them learn how to get work, make money, and manage their own money–they won’t always be coming to me saying “Mom, I need money!”
Also: Allowance Options
Should Teens Receive an Allowance if They are Working?