If you have a teenager...I have a question. - Page 2

[neetling]

My mom was a single mom and I knew she couldn't afford my stuff so I got a job at 16 and paid for it myself. Her take home pay just paid the bills, I didn't want to be aburden or go without so I worked.

[aeramom]

This is an ongoing issue for us too. Our older girls (15 and 17) definitely want the latest clothing, gadgets, makeup, etc., and we are working hard to teach them the value of $. It is a big challenge and still a work in progress for many reasons!

As far as clothes, we buy reasonably priced things, and if they want the name brand clothing, they are given the amount we'd otherwise spend and they have to kick in $. We are pushing our oldest to get a job, although at this point, there's probably not much left for summer.

Did want to say that both my kids buy some of their name brand stuff off of ebay, and I help the youngest sell her things there once she outgrows them too. (The oldest is fully grown and wears hers out!) Anyway, you can definitely find some of the "cool" stuff used on ebay, craigslist, even yard sales. And, I second the idea for Ross or TJ Maxx.

I also agree that a part-time job could help him afford some of the things he wants and teach about $.

We are also being more explicit about the budget as they get older, and explaining why we choose to spend $ the way we do, and this helps some, so hopefully that will work for you.

[HydeParkB]

I posted earlier about setting a base amount, and using thrift stores as a resource.

I have to say that my parents were very particular about how much I worked as a teen. They made it clear that school comes first, and my studies should not suffer if I got a job.

Something to consider, if that fits in your family.

[Strong Mama]

Well thanks for all the replies!! It sure is tough! WEll my ds wanted to work this summer, but there is nothing for 14 year olds around here. he does odd jobs for us, we pay him or my dad, but its nothing major, and he uses that money for things like going off with his friends and stuff. He did blow like 50 bucks on fast food at the beginning of summer, and learned about that real quick, so then decided to go out with friends AFTER meals and come home BEFORE meals so he could eat at home and save $$. He is a straight A student, so working during the school year is not something I would be comfortable with, until he gets a bit older. They have a program here where if your grade is a B or higher you can get out of school at noon to go to work, but you have to be 16 years old to do that, so that might be something in the near future. I didnt get anything growing up, so I know how it feels, maybe that is why I am so sensitive to it myself, and feel so bad that I cant give him these things, but on the flip side I know I am teaching him valuable lessons about money and life.

[caedmyn]

I don't have teenagers, but of course I used to be one! My parents never, to the best of my recollection, bought clothes for any of us. We had hand-me-downs until we were teenagers, and then bought our own clothes from whatever money we made doing various jobs. I imagine this is probably what we'll do when our kids are old enough, too. Right now DD is getting all her clothes either from garage sales or as gifts, so it's not going to be a big shock to her to have to be frugal.

My DD is only 2 so this is a long ways away, but I refuse to provide cell phones for my kids unless there's a really, really good reason (like a safety issue or something). If they want cell phones once they're about 16, they can pay for them.