Money lessons

T set up a free 24 hour session on x box live, a teacher gave him a pass for solving a problem at school, for the weekend. T arranged a bunch of friends to be on at the same time today. He needed a mike so he could talk with his friends while playing. He told me typing takes too long even though it is available.

This morning he awoke an hour before noon, when the games were supposed to begin. He wanted to rush to the store to buy the mike. He had $7 in his wallet. He owes work to his Dad for previous funds. I had told him no honor role no money. His grades are not satisfactory, nor does he bother to study at home. He just plays x box or watches U tube clips on his computer. His PSATs were not good either. He needs to read some books. I was not loaning him any money.

He asked if we could, really fast, run to the store so he could buy the mike. I needed some poster boards for a project for Riley. I wasn't rushing but he could hitch a ride. The store is also walking distance in a pinch, less than a mile away. I took my time.

When we got to the store he found that the mikes cost a lot more than the money he had on hand. I was not accommodating. I told him again pay for performance and he hadn't performed. He wasn't making any effort. I had told him on the drive to the store I would not help pay for this toy.

Oh, was he pissed. I am the meanest mom. Now he had to contact everyone and tell them he couldn't play. Boo Hoo. When he shows me effort, I'll get him a mike myself. He has a list of missing homework I get e mailed every week. When that list is done and handed in, then I will consider helping him out. Right now I am as angry at T, as he is at me. I am the meanest Mom, my foot. I am being a parent of a lazy, spoiled, teenager. Today, I stood my ground. No work, no Play.

Thank goodness the house is so big that I can hide out and not see his pouting face or hear his stomping around. I am going to print out the list of missing assignments, so he sees my issue with his use of time. Tom supported me. T already owed him chores from a previous loan from a month ago. Tom's response to T was to ignore his rant that his mom was so mean that she wouldn't front him the money. He didn't even argue or fight about it. He just blew right by T as he complained, a stone wall. Loved the response, no fight, no argument, just total ignoring the child's whining.   

Hopefully, T will motivate. He can always arrange for another play day, if he either earns some money for the necessary mike or gets his grades up. Right now he is in his room pouting due to the lack of support.