We were at our oldest son's martial arts school the other night and after the lesson a teen and her mom were buying something at the register. The conversation went something like this ...
Instructor: "Maybe you should pay for this instead of your mom."
Teen: "I don't have any money."
Instructor: "Don't you have an allowance or something?"
Mom: "She doesn't get an allowance because she doesn't do anything."
Ouch! Aside from the question of whether to pay children for their chores or more positive and accurately named Contributions, what does this situation say about their relationship and teaching children responsibility? Assuming she is not kidding around, the mom is obviously resentful but yet has not taken any steps to remedy the situation at home. Does the kid feel like that's her entitlement? Is she learning that the world exists for her and to serve her? That may work at home but what about when she gets into the real world?
For an idea on how to head this future off at the pass, check out this week's tip by Jim Fay, We're all in this together.
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