This editorial that appeared in the paper should not only be read by every parent of a teen, but also every teen who is lounging around this summer watching movies, playing video games, and playing on their phone. This teen makes a good case for taking responsibility for one's life. Read the article and then we'll talk.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2015/07/09/earning-own-way-college-kid-internship-less-summer/v8TmRFaJR7t78vnCp9j0rI/story.html
If you find yourself becoming your teen's personal ATM, it might mean that your teen has lost awareness for how much and how he/she spends your money. So much of a teens life is magical. Using cell phones, computers, mom and dad's generosity, everything they want is literally in their fingertips. How about saying to your teen; "I am willing to give up to $$$ a month and then it's up to you if you want or need anything over and above." Just because your teen wants to go shopping every weekend that doesn't mean you have to shell out 40 bucks so they have some spending money. They may buy another T-shirt or video game, but because it was just a meaningless buy, no skin off their teeth, it ends up in a pile of other impulsive boredom buys. Do not just mindlessly buy or give your teen money. Make them work for something. Don't deprive them of that feeling of pride when earned money is what buys them something. Maybe it's a job, maybe it's money for chores, but teaching them that you don't get something for nothing is a valuable lesson.
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