I always anticipated that raising little ones would hit my wallet hard, and I was right—kids are pricey. But now that I’m navigating life with a teenager, my previous definition of “expensive” seems utterly ridiculous. Because let me tell you, teens are a financial black hole. In just a few short years, I’ll be facing not one, but three teenagers, and the mere thought has my eye twitching.
Start Saving Early
Here’s my pro tip: start saving before you even see those two pink lines on the pregnancy test. Having a teenager is like a slap in the face to your finances. They consume food like bottomless pits. They yearn for the latest smartphones and custom sneakers. They need driver’s ed classes, and suddenly, they want a car of their own—or at least yours. Don’t forget about adding them to your insurance and the never-ending gas expenses to get them around. And then there’s the maintenance—tires, oil changes, you name it.
Extravagant Events
Proms and graduations have become extravagant events that rival weddings. Gone are the days when they’d enjoy hanging out in the basement with my homemade cookies and Netflix; now they’re all about hitting the movies, school plays, restaurants, and trampoline parks, which can cost a small fortune if they invite friends and want food. My checkbook is crying for mercy, and just thinking about it gives me heart palpitations.
And we haven’t even touched on college yet! Are you feeling the panic? Because I sure am.
Work is Not an Option
That’s why my teens will absolutely have jobs; in this house, not working is not an option. A recent Bloomberg report revealed that teens today aren’t working as much as we did back in the ’80s and ’90s. As a teen from that era, I always had a job. If I wanted to hang out with friends, I needed my own cash. If I craved snacks beyond what my parents provided, that was on me. And when it came time for back-to-school shopping, if I wanted anything extra, I had to dig into my own pocket.
Once I started driving, I covered my own driver’s ed fees, paid for my car insurance, and handled registration. It was a significant financial responsibility, but with four active teens in the house, we all had to pitch in and carry our own weight. So, we all worked—and a lot at that.
Encouraging Independence
My son has transitioned from sports to loving the hustle of a job. Last summer, he earned nearly a thousand bucks, which he used for a new smartphone. During spring break, he worked alongside his dad in plumbing and bought himself a bike. He’s eager to keep working this summer to fund those little luxuries I’m not keen on splurging for, and I reminded him that if he wants a car, he better start saving up because I’m not footing that bill.
It’s a win-win to have my son engage in work he enjoys, like helping out on his grandfather’s farm or learning plumbing from his dad. He’s earning his own money while gaining independence, work ethic, and essential life skills.
Understanding the Cost of Living
I want my kids to have their needs met, but they must understand the true cost of living. After all, I’m not an ATM; I’m their mom. I want them to grasp how far a dollar stretches so that when they whine, “But Mom, it’s just 50 bucks, get it for me,” they’ll think twice because they know how long it takes to earn that amount.
Experiencing the satisfaction of a hard-earned paycheck is invaluable. It’s crucial they learn empathy, whether it’s for waitstaff or understanding the importance of keeping public spaces clean. As parents, we can teach a lot, but we can’t impart everything. That’s why in our home, my kids will work. They’ll be grateful later, and they’ll take pride in affording those trendy sneakers or their own vehicle, knowing they achieved it through their own efforts.
Lessons for the Future
So while I’m proud of my son for wanting to work this summer, it’s a lesson I would have instilled regardless. I’ll do the same with his siblings because learning to grind under someone else’s guidance is often more valuable than the paycheck they bring home.
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Conclusion
In summary, while raising teenagers comes with its financial challenges, instilling a work ethic is essential, as it builds independence and appreciation for hard-earned money.