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Originally Posted by MaLance  The first is about paying rent. If he lives in the house I want him to contribute to the household finances but he argues that none of the kids he knows has to do that anymore. Is this true or is he in fantasy land? |
I think the only real answer to that is "What about it? Go live with those parents then."
Explain to him, lovingly, that you made yourself a commitment to raise him, shelter him and provide him with an education. You've done that, to the best of your ability, and now he's welcome to make all the choices in life that he likes: including, paying a lot of rent in a 1 bedroom apartment or a little bit of rent in your house.
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Originally Posted by MaLance The second is his cell phone which we pay for now. I want him to pay for that as well but again his argument is that no other parent requires this of their children. Now I am not that niave but was wondering if I am in the minority or the majority. Unforntunately his cell phone is part of a family plan and there is a hefty fee for canceling before the 2 years are up. Once it is however, it will not be renewed. Lookng forward to your thoughts. |
You should never have paid for it in the first place. I think even 14 yr olds should learn that each phone call costs THEM money.
Cut him out of it. Let him keep his number, if he wants, but pay for the cancellation fee. You'll spend less on cancellation than on his phone bill, and anything else is his problem. Convince him that you're telling the truth (which you are) then give him a 2nd chance, a commitment to pay for ALL his phone calls from now on at the special family rate. I've got this arrangement with my sister and it works fine.
Again, if he mentions these other parents, invite him to go ask THEM to start paying for his phone calls.