Earning His Own Money

My son earned enough money from pet sitting and pet care to purchase another 500 minute refill for his cell phone. He had recently run out of minutes--he earned some money and bought his own refill. Now THAT works for me! :) Yes, it is still getting expensive to keep refilling the minutes, but when he earns his own money to do it, it is MUCH easier to justify. This made me think about the future--instead of constantly coming to us for handouts, maybe he will be earning at least some of his own spending money. I think I am beginning to really like the idea of my son being employed--it is a big step toward adulthood. If there is one thing I cannot stand, it is grown adult children who mooch off of their parents long after they should be. I know some grown adults in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s who rely on their parents for financial support. There are SOME circumstances that cannot be helped, but many of these people are truly moochers. As I prepare to launch my son into adulthood, this is a VERY VERY important thing for him to learn to do--to take care of himself financially. It will take some time, but I think it is time for him to begin the process. As he begins driving and dating, he has to earn most of the money needed to do so. Think about all of the expenses coming up in just the next year or so: car payment, car insurance, gas money, wardrobe, movies/concerts/restaurants, etc. Being a teenager--looking your best--dressing in style--going to fun places--doing fun things--it can get quite expensive! I definitely want him to begin earning money to fund some of this--he cannot keep coming to us and asking us for money for everything--that would not teach him anything about earning a living as an adult. Also, he needs to learn about all of the other expenses of adulthood--rent, utilities, etc.--he has to learn how to live within his means and spend his money wisely. Only 3 more years to teach him all of these things--not to mention, saving money for college expenses. There will be a LOT of learning packed into the next 3 years, but it seems that earning a living and living within your means is a HUGE part if it! Successfully taking care of himself, both physically and financially--THAT is one of the most important goals he needs to obtain as he reaches adulthood. Becoming employed and beginning the process--that should begin soon so that he can learn exactly how to do it correctly. Now I am beginning to see that working as a teenager is a very important step toward adulthood--if this learning is delayed, then the whole transition to adulthood gets delayed. At 15, he is earning money around the neighborhood. At 16, I hope he gets his first "real job" and begins to learn all about "the working world." At 17 and 18, he will be completing his high school education, working to pay for his daily expenses and to save for future expenses, and learning how to live on his own--both physically AND financially. During this stage, constant handouts without earning anything would be a HUGE disservice. I want him to learn how to live as an adult--the learning process begins now and cannot be postponed. Watching him enter the "working world" will be exciting--I am looking forward to seeing him truly gain a healthy respect for money as he learns how to earn and spend wisely. As I watch this process, I will be watching my little boy, who used to rely on me for EVERYTHING, become a man, who can take care of everything himself! How exciting! :)