Q: Is it possible for a teenager to be more responsible than her parents? My two brothers and I live with our single mom. Our dad lives in L.A. but does a good job sending what I assume is pretty decent child support. But when the money is direct-deposited into my mom's account, she acts like it is "fun money" and she keeps buying stupid things like new purses, shoes or even facials and massages. Then at the end of the month she complains we have no money, and she usually calls my grandparents to bail her out, which they always do. She works hard but she also spends more than she makes.
We live the opposite lives from all my friends. My friends are always Loewe Bags asking their parents to eat out and we are having to always tell my mom to cook dinner to save money. I've talked to my dad and he says this was one reason they got divorced so I know we aren't crazy for feeling the way we do. What do you do with a parent who is out of control with their spending?
A: It's absolutely possible for a teenagers to act more responsibly than their parents when it comes to something like finances. Your mom's sense of money Fake Neckties Clothings probably has been deficient for a long time. Unfortunately, your grandparents have rescued her for so long she doesn't know how to budget and spend within her means. Have you thought about talking to your grandparents about what your mom spends her money on? They need to know about the "fun money" attitude.
embroidered patches Then ask your mom to let you help her set up a budget. My guess is she will resist because she doesn't want anyone to control her money even though she clearly has no control of it herself. If by chance she is open, work with her on looking at what she brings in between her job and your dad's money and figure out how to make it last until the end of the month. If she shuts you down, step back and see what you can learn from her money mismanagement. Educate yourself on investing your money, and vow to yourself that you will live your life differently.
Kelly Richardson is a licensed therapist in Folsom who specializes in working with teenagers. Send questions to
