My teenage son dropped by my office the other day, and asked to borrow some money...Surprise!!. This request was met with this question, what do you need money for? Well dad...my friend and I were hoping to buy food we're starving.
All I had was a twenty, so I said bring me change and don't spent it on junk. Later that evening I asked where's my change...My son said I spent it all (naturally) but we didn't buy junk!, we spent it on food. Turns out Conor had the Duck, and I understand it was excellent.
I'm trying to teach him responsibility, and upon hearing the $20 was blown on an expensive lunch I suggested a pay back plan. We have a camp-wood box at the end of our driveway, and it's easy money for a teen to bundle some wood...and pocket the profits. The lesson of borrowing money means paying it back, the theory is more important than the actual dollar amount.When we counted out the booty and I suggested I could use a few singles for my poker game... Conor kept 30 bucks.
Later that night as the teen posse prepared to head up town I overheard this conversation "Conor you got any money?- yeah I got 30 buck but I should have $35...but my dad "Took My Money to Gamble with".
What struck me about this eavesdropped statement is if the person you would do anything for can make you sound callus and irresponsible...how can you possibly expect a client to say nice things about you. Humorous point to ponder? Or no matter how diligent we work for the best results...will we be remembered favorably?
Maybe I should send him a 1099...for the unreported income?
Your-White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert
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Steve - this post rings true to me. As a member of the human ATM society, and after years of having my buttons pushed for cash, I empathize and yet smiled at this post. Send him a 1099
Claude...I am giving it serious thought...the free money machine...has an accountant too!
At that age they can't go too long with out food. One of my son's favorite saying as "I could eat" .
That's funny Steve...I can also remember saying stuff like that! Boy was that a long time ago!
Terry...I would hand money to this kid, for food or clothing no questions asked, But I was thinking a share Pizza...not Duck with the raspberry sauce for 16 year old. Then even though he knew He "Borrowed $20" I only took $5...and He Felt Cheated?
Laura...Conor always had a way of turning my kidding into his triumph. We were in Wal-Mart when he was small, and walking through a toy isle I said loud enough for another kid to hear..."didn't you want to go down to the Barbie section?". He turned to me and said pull that one again dad, and I'll start crying and tell the store manager you hit me...funny kid right?
Steve you make a good point. I guess we would like to think that others especially those closest to us would always say nice things about us, but that is not reality.
George...The perception and reality can be pretty far apart when it comes to how hard clients think you are working for them.
Borrow money...I was lucky to have time to spend any. Times sure have changed. Yea,....I went throught his with my kids also.
Steve, try this one once...when you know he has some money ...for some odd reason...ask to borrow some from him. This one threw my kids for a loop, especially when I told them I had to be late re-paying them.
Bill... I will try the borrowed funds, play with my son some day...great way to get a child's attention.
It's far too early to expect any other reaction or attitude. Appreciation of your parents comes at a much later age. Wait for it...it will come, and when it does...it's a wonderful thing.
Sharon...I know from my on selfish teen years you are right on target, it's once they fend for themselves they find out how much you did for them.
My daughter never asked to borrow, she says, "will you pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaasssssssseeeeeeee give me some money mommie?"
I am going to look back in 20 or 25 years at my teenage grandchildren hitting her up for cash and laugh, laugh laugh! My mom tells me payback is GREAT!
Tammy...My mother tells me all the time she'll live long enough to see me pay back all the trouble I put her through ..by way of my kids doing the same to me.