The goose that lays the golden eggs

Wow, this is such a real post..and I can feel your frustration.. How many years will it be b/4 yu have to worry about college. My thought is that you have out yourself out so many times for your children thats all they know..so thats why they think that you are that money tree...I don't know what to tell you because b/4 my kids were finished even high school, they were working to help me out by helping themselves..if they are young you need to have that conversation asap..Can they get a little after school job to help out???

Maybe you should stop giving them money for things or stuff that isn't as important as their education. And I think the best way to tell them is to show them the actual figures of the money that comes in from your salary and the expenses. Make them realize how many years they still need to go to school before they can have real jobs and how far along are you from your retirement. They have to realize that there's only one mom doing everything for them. Hopefully they will have a clearer and better picture how exhaustible the money is and how you also have your limits. Make them realize that it is not their right, it is their privilege and they should be thankful about it and stop acting like you owe them the trips with friends, stuff, and such. You're a family, you should help one another.

Hello aikona and welcome to myLot. I am sorry to hear that your kids see you as the golden goose. I see the same thing with my daughter and her girls. The girls are not in college yet but one will start next year. My daughter is always buying them new shoes and new clothes. They have more than any two kids need. She can't seem go say no to them. Since your kid are in college You need to realize that you don't owe them the college or all those extras. Stop being the golden goose. send the kid the copies of tuition bills, books, along with your bills for your car and car insurance rent or mortgage and other living expense you have and your wages. Have them make suggestions on how to cover every thing. You don't have to follow their suggestions but it might let them know why they can't do the trips, and blow out birthday parties and the expensive trips to the malls. Have them get part time jobs to help pay for their tuition and books. No more GOLDEN GOOSE. If you don't stop they will expect it for ever.

Hello Aiokona, I hope that you are fine. You are a very good mom because you are worried about the college of your children. You have to keep going! You are almost near to your goal. Blessings Aiokona... dainy

How about cutting them off somewhere. If they're in college, then they're old enough to get a job. They don't understand your position because they haven't had to struggle for anything yet.

Prioritise your spending on them. Let them the truth. They need to be aware of the financial situations and its seriousness. They have to grow up and help you too. If you are stressed out and can't work, everybody will be in trouble too. It is now or never. Take action and work together as a family.

I understand the way you feel, but you will also have to understand that they are kids and they will always want to do what their friends are doing or whatever the latest trends are. So, all you can do is keep it calm and explain them that life is hard and to make it better in the future there has to some luxuries that has to let go. They will eventually understand. :]

I also think that it is good to know the kids the value of money. I think it would be good for you to have a talk to them and most probably say them that they need to make their own money if they want to spend unwisely. I think you should try to save money and also stop giving extra money to the kids for unnecessary spending and only should give them what the need.

Children seem to think alike. They only think of themselves. I remember how my daughter only wanted designer jeans, etc. However, after she was out on her own it was a different story.The first time I went to see her after she was on her own, she took me shopping at a warehouse. She grew up fast in just a few months.

You are definitely not alone with this one. I mean I'm not a single mother and I hope that I never am a single mother. However, I think that it is natural that all children believe that their parents are an endless source of money. My children are always asking me for money for this, that or the other thing and it does pain me to tell them that we don't have the money for something that they want. That all said, this time where your children are constantly asking you for money is the perfect time to start teaching them about budgeting.

Teaching your kids to manage their own money is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give them. Unless they learn responsible money management at home. Grade school and High school aren't teaching thrifty money management skills, and they definitely won't learn it in collage. So if you want your kids to learn to handle money wisely, you've got to teach them and made them realize how hard it is to earn money. =)

I have one child out of my first marriage while I was in the military. I can relate that kids cost a lot lol but like a lot of people are saying only give them what they need because it will only back fire in the future. But at the same time try to do nice things for them on certain occasions at least that's what I do. Find a happy middle ground to when you give them money.

Tell them to get a job if they want extra stuff most parents who are poor don't pay for their kids college. They are old enough to Know and Understand they just don't care. They take you for granted. Good luck I hope you can get through this.