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By: Emily Carter
As my eldest child approaches high school graduation, I’m reflecting on the financial lessons I’ve instilled in my teens. When my son was ready to learn to drive, I covered the cost of his driving lessons, which exceeded $600. However, I made it clear that if he wanted a car, he needed to purchase it himself and manage the insurance costs as well. Fueling the car and handling repairs would also be his responsibility.
I do have a AAA card for emergencies, but my philosophy is straightforward: I’m here to support my kids, but they must take the initiative themselves. With three teenagers, I realize they are at a financially demanding stage. I firmly believe that if they desire to drive, wear designer clothes, or splurge on beauty treatments, they need to earn the money for those luxuries.
Yes, I understand that school and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming for teens. However, by encouraging them to take on part-time jobs and manage their finances, I am equipping them with essential skills for when they eventually leave home. I won’t be able to shoulder their rent, bills, or car repairs when they become independent. It’s crucial for them to understand that relying on me as their personal bank isn’t a sustainable plan.
This journey began when they were young. I assigned them chores and provided an allowance as soon as they could handle simple tasks like doing their laundry or clearing the table. This approach fostered their independence and helped them develop life skills. I wanted to ensure they never grew up feeling entitled or believing that they could avoid contributing to our household.
I’ve witnessed the confidence and sense of purpose this has instilled in them. Now that they are teenagers, they are capable of doing their own laundry, washing the car, filling gas tanks, and even grocery shopping. They’ve learned that hard work pays off at home and in the workplace. They know that if they desire something, it requires time and effort to save for it. They are becoming aware that showing up on time and putting in a solid effort are key to job retention.
While I cover basic necessities like food and essential clothing, I won’t be financing their cars, college education, or extravagant shopping sprees. If they believed otherwise, it would diminish their motivation to work hard and strive for financial independence.
My daughter recently completed Driver’s Education and has since secured a job, motivated by her desire for a car. Seeing her brother drive has inspired her to seek the same level of independence. She enjoys shopping, so she understands that any additional purchases, like a large online order, must come from her own savings.
I still treat my kids occasionally, surprising them with little gifts and outings since they live at home. However, they know that I’m not a bank. They don’t expect handouts for shopping trips or meals out with friends. Instead, they recognize that I’m here to teach them about budgeting, and if they spend their money unwisely, it’s their responsibility to manage the consequences.
Although the thought of my kids leaving home fills me with dread, I understand it’s essential for their growth and independence. When that time comes, I will not cover their utility bills or make car payments if they didn’t budget properly; they need to learn these skills now. My ultimate goal is for them to achieve complete financial independence before they leave home.
I know I’ll miss them dearly, but I refuse to compromise my financial stability in the process.
If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out this blog post for additional tips on navigating the journey of raising financially savvy children. Also, visit Make a Mom for expert advice on family planning. For further information on infertility and helpful resources, Women’s Health provides excellent guidance.
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Summary:
In this article, Emily Carter shares her approach to raising financially independent teenagers. By instilling a strong work ethic and financial responsibility from a young age, she prepares them for adulthood. With an emphasis on earning their own money and managing expenses, Emily ensures her children understand the value of hard work and budgeting, setting them up for a successful future.
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