A co-worker makes her working son and daughter (18 & 22) pay one utility bill a piece. She says it will teach them responsibility. The floor is split 50/50 on this. Some say this is wrong while others agree. What say you?
P.S. She is married and they are fully capable of paying the household bills.
2007-10-22 08:24:19 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
blazergirl1128: You are clueless to my stance on this topic so dont ***-u-me. I posted the question because my floor is split on the subject and I was curious as to how others feel...
2007-10-22 08:44:20 · update #1
yep, it's not a matter of mom can't pay, it's a matter of letting the adult children know that they can't stay for free in the home. They need to pony up rent or a utlility bill or move out on their own. This does help the kids see how much these types of bills cost so that they don't get freaked out when they do move out on their own and pay their own bills. Also, the kids are using the services that are being billed, it's only fair they contribute to the household expenses.
2007-10-22 08:30:32 · answer #1 · answered by Invisigoth 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You must not have children to have asked this question. Teen agers leave the TV on all night long while asleep, computers running 24/7 even when not home, stand at the frig with the door open for 5 minutes looking and don't take anything out. Play video games for hours upon hours with the radio on at the same time. I think that calls for them to pay the electricity bill. Regardless of how much money is coming into the household. The bill wouldn't be as high if they were not using all of that extra stuff with no consideration that power isn't free. This will teach them not only responsibility but to appreciate what you have because not everyone has the luxury of heat, hot water, electricity, and food or even a roof over their heads. Yes, they can pay a bill or contribute to one.
2007-10-22 15:37:32 · answer #2 · answered by blazergirl1128 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I often find myself telling the kids can't wait till you start working so you can pay a bill for a change.
but the reality of it is i don't think I would
not that it is wrong but the utility bills should be handled by me
I do think they should pay for the gas in the vehicle they use
and the upkeep of the vehicle example wash/ light maintenance/
any thing extra that they would want etc..
I think that every parent is different and if it works for the parents in this case they might have to pay one bill but mommy and daddy are taking care of the rest then the kids has it made
if the parents pay all the bills but the kids has to pay for his own way to and from and the insurance it might be even harder on the child
I guess i will find out when i get there
your co-worker is the one raising her children so even is 50% don't agree then it's their problem not hers
2007-10-22 15:35:31 · answer #3 · answered by summerbliss 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is anything wrong with it its an 18 year old and a 22 year old shouldn't they have learned responsibility years ago besides they are lucky one utility bill they should be paying some rent there what I see here is two people never learning how to be responsible at all
2007-10-22 16:09:28 · answer #4 · answered by kayme42 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I definately think the 22 year old should be paying something. If there are more than capable of paying them with out childrens help then maybe they don't want their kids to be spoiled or unprepared for real life. I think it teaches respoinsiblity and if they aren't going to school then they better be doing something other than blowing their money away. If they are living at home and going to school I might just make them pay their own cell phone bills but if no school hell year help out what are they working for if not in school.
2007-10-22 15:50:09 · answer #5 · answered by Tiffany 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If both of the kids have graduated from high school, then it is more than fair. I think it does teach them responsibility and about life.
If they weren't going to college, then they'd have to pay some rent too or move out as far as I am concerned.
2007-10-22 15:32:29 · answer #6 · answered by wondermom 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm eighteen, a full time college student and am helping my mom pay bills. I do it voluntarily. It's taught me a lot already about how far money will go and it keeps me on track of when I should be paying things. It's teaching me not to go beyond my means and I think it's a good lesson and it should be taught to everyone.
2007-10-22 15:41:36 · answer #7 · answered by kiki 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
To me it makes a big difference as to whether her children are still in school. If they are not in school and working, then of course they should be charged for their living expenses. I think that charging a set amount would be better than paying a utility bill. However, if they are still in school and working to cover their education expenses such as fees,books and clothes, they should be not pay for their living expenses.
2007-10-22 15:52:12 · answer #8 · answered by jcf6865 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they lived at my house they would pay rent, utilities and a part of any other bills the house has as well as food.
2007-10-22 15:28:04 · answer #9 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
They are young adults living at home, its time to help out with a few of the bills.. Its called responsibility..
2007-10-22 15:31:03 · answer #10 · answered by Holly 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋