I am a single parent of a 16 and 11 year old daughters. I receive assistance because I am unable to work, money is very tight. My 15 year old started working part time, should I ask her to contribute some money to the household? If so how much?
2007-09-10 02:29:45 · 40 answers · asked by Adrienne K 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adolescent
I'm 15 and in the same situation. We often don't have money at the end of the month. On occasion she asks me to help pay for things like toilet paper, or some chicken. Just a little things. I'm always happy to give her the money.
2007-09-10 02:51:26 · answer #1 · answered by Shelbi =) 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If she's not in high school, then yes, you should have her pay rent...or go back to school.
If not, then:
I don't think that would be very wise. Read the other answers that tell you not to, they all give good advice about her paying for her own gasoline, phone, Cable, or internet. And also buying her own clothes and toiletries.
Another thing to think about: If you ask her to pay rent, how can you feel justified in asking her to follow the rules in "your" house? If she is paying part of the rent and/or household utilities, she technically becomes more of a roomate than a daughter, and she's too young for that. It could cause a lot of conflict between the two of you down the road.
Besides, with her only working part-time at minimum wage, what she could give you couldn't possibly make that much difference anyway.
You've raised her well this long, keep it up for another 2 years.
2007-09-10 03:12:26 · answer #2 · answered by ninn09262 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fact your daughter found a job of her own indicates she wants to earn money to take care of herself in areas where you are finding it hard to provide. In other words, your daughter has already taken initiative towards helping out with family finances by taking herself "off the books" in some areas. If you feel she could contribute a little more, then talk to her in depth about your family's financial situation. I am sure she already understands, but a frank discussion will most certainly help in communicating your need to have her contribute more from her paycheck to help meet the needs of the family. Don't demand money from your daughter, though. Let her make an offer first.
2007-09-10 03:30:31 · answer #3 · answered by souldoctor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you should straight up ask her. I mean I am a working 17 year old and If I knew that my family was going through tough times I would try to contrubute as much as possible to help thats what I do now. Let your doughter know about your financial troubles and she will help with what she can. Since she has a job she obviously is responsible so if you talk to her and let her know about the problem she will do the right and responsible thing.
2007-09-10 03:42:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
all depending on what she earns really. i have been paying rent since i was 16 and we wasnt a single parent family. I paid in us dollars around $80 a week now i pay $100 a week im now 19 i think it has shown me money doesnt grow on trees and you have to work for the things you want. i paid rent and still bought clothes shampoo etc for my self all my mum provides is food. She is a little harsh on me. im not saying do that but maybe a little to contribute wont do any harm. and lets be honest its not tlike she has bills or anything unlike you so it wont matter taking some of her wages
2007-09-10 03:17:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I don't believe you should - she's 16.. I could see if she was an adult daughter living in your household...but, 16.. no.....
BUT - you do need to take into consideration a few things - she is working --- most likely she will start buying her own clothes-- paying for her own movies--- things she likes to do - so - that money will no longer be coming out of your pocket - which will in the long run save you.....
so, she will not be paying 'rent' as we call it -- but, she will be financially be contributing in this way which will be saving you money.
2007-09-10 02:35:06 · answer #6 · answered by ★★★ Katharine ♥♥♥♥ 6 · 6⤊ 1⤋
You horrible lazy piece of%$@. Get off your lazy butt and get a job. Certainly she should pay for her own stuff, but rent at 16????????? The sooner she can get away from your leaching arms the better off she'll be.
And I can't believe all the people that said yes, it's just proof that this is a welfare minded culture that is too mindless and weak to work for themselves.
If a child is 18 and out of high school, OK rent would be appropriate, but at 15 or 16? I guess my answer is NO.
By the way my wife works with the disabled and I have seen people that can't move their legs ride horses, go rafting, skiing. I have seen blind people ski. In fact, I have personally seen so many people with multiple dissabilities do so many incredible and impressive things that I just have no patience with the "I can't" mentallity.
Sorry for not being blunt enough.
2007-09-10 03:11:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
no... you should not start making her contribute... the reason i say this... is because she is a child still... does not give you the right to take away her hard earned money that she works dearly for.... its not her fault that you are in a tight situation... remember you are the parent...
She should get a say on what she wants to spend her money... completely different if she wants to help but should never force her... or even ask...
2007-09-10 03:25:06 · answer #8 · answered by happygolcky75 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be a very good idea to teach her that rent is a way of life.
If she earns $200 a week, I would say at least $50 a week rent. BUT then use half for rent, and save the other half to give to her when she moves out, so that you can feel sure that she has enough to live on.
but remember, if you take too much rent, you will prolly have to still help support her more, where as atm she can buy stuff for herself. Also, if she's paying as much at home as she would pay elsewhere... she'll prolly go elsewhere. So don't push it.
2007-09-10 03:07:04 · answer #9 · answered by A derka der 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Depending on how much she is earning that can vary but sure she should be paying her way or she willnever learn the value of money an think it is ok to spend all her money on unnecessary things give her a couple weeks to get over the excitment of earning her own money but 1/3 of it should contribute 2 the house, and let her no u r goin 2 do this. It also sets an example for her sibling about responsibility as she grows older.
2007-09-10 02:37:17 · answer #10 · answered by babyface 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋