I think it’s fair to say there’s a bit of a shitstorm brewing in our happy home right now.
And look, I’m probably to blame. I thought the unthinkable. Then I said it out loud, to my husband, as he was deep (and somewhat appropriately) in an episode of Bloodline.
“I think (let’s call her Violet, because she is being pretty vile at the moment) should start paying rent next year.”
Oh. My. God.
His face. I might as well have said I was booking her in for a three-week immersion in an ice den.
Here’s the deal: she’s 17 and about to do her HSC. She doesn’t have a clue what she wants to do when she finishes school. But I have a very strong suspicion that whatever is, it features living with us, blissfully free of those pesky costs that, you know, allow you to actually survive. Like food. Or in her case, her phone, which now sits firmly in the column headed ‘Things covered by mum and dad’.
And here’s the real bitch – I think her dad might see things the same way. Because if she has to tip into the family coffers it might mean **HORRORS** she’s actually growing up.
He is appalled by my “tightarse-ness”.
Have I forgotten our teen is a Very Precious Angel?
“Teens” and “rent” are like combining “toothpaste” and “chardy”. Or “vodka” and “good decisions” (which might have been what led to my lapse of judgement in using the R-word in the first place).
Top Comments
My parents had the same deal with me. If I wasn't studying then I was expected to pay board. I thought it was fair.
Numb knuckles, the lot of you. This is an excellent idea as it keeps her in a safety net whilst learning to shoulder her own responsibilities. I look back and wish I did more saving when I did live at home (which admittedly, wasn't long).
No one is a perfect parent, but they do inspire character. I've found teenagers at times to be vile, selfish, ignorant, disgusting, manipulative and disrespectful - that's what a human being is when they're learning how to grow into an adult and take the mantle of responsibility. As we all once were (admit it, you were at least ile for one day).
They're far from Angels, but they are amazing quality and the gift is watching this being you created with your partner bloom into an adult - with some thorns on the way.
Don't let the emotional barometer of your teen gage how you raise them - their hormone and nervous systems are undergoing such dynamic changes that they'll hate you one minute, adore you the next.
Thumbs up Mum, keep up the good work.
Ps. I don't have kids - but the people who post here? YOUR children will be teaching my children. I'm invested here, don't raise precious snot noses that will make terrible role models for MY children.