teenagers paying board ?

bestpud

onlyroz wrote: »

I wouldn't expect my kids to pay rent while they are still in full time education. I also woyld't demand they got a job while studying either.

That's a moot point though, isn't it?

Most full time courses allow time for a little job so it won't necessarily affect their study and it may well increase their chance of getting a job when they leave.

At HE level I believe it's important that students do work tbh, if only in the holidays.

In many cases, it is probably better to have a 2:1 with a decent CV than a first with no work experience at all.

Even if I was going to keep my children while they study, I would certainly encourage them to do something other than study and socialise, and I'd expect them to work over the summer break if no other time (it's about four months long after all!!!)

onlyroz

bestpud wrote: »

At HE level I believe it's important that students do work tbh, if only in the holidays.

In many cases, it is probably better to have a 2:1 with a decent CV than a first with no work experience at all.

Summer jobs while at uni should be about getting real-world relevant work experience rather than about making money. E.g. I did a physics degree and spent my summers working in the medical physics dept of the local NHS trust - could probably have earned more working at ASDA but I got real valid work experience in a relevant field. I also got a summer job working at a government laboratory - again I was paid peanuts but it was a fascinating experience and far more valid than stacking shelves or pulling pints.

And if you're really after that 1st-class degree then I think your spare time should be spent studying, or working for one of the university clubs, rather than doing menial work.

SugarSpun

Ideally that's the case onlyroz, but the OP stated that her parents are on a low income and with the loss of the benefits they were getting for the OP as a child in fulltime education they now have the same outgoings on less money. The situation is one of needing to cover bills, it seems, not whether they should be asking for the money or not.

bestpud

onlyroz wrote: »

Summer jobs while at uni should be about getting real-world relevant work experience rather than about making money. E.g. I did a physics degree and spent my summers working in the medical physics dept of the local NHS trust - could probably have earned more working at ASDA but I got real valid work experience in a relevant field. I also got a summer job working at a government laboratory - again I was paid peanuts but it was a fascinating experience and far more valid than stacking shelves or pulling pints.

And if you're really after that 1st-class degree then I think your spare time should be spent studying, or working for one of the university clubs, rather than doing menial work.

In an ideal world, work experience would be directly relevent to the degree but if that cannot happen, for whatever reason, then any work experience is better on a CV than none at all imo.

My point is, these days, employers expect graduates to have worked during their degree and for many positions a 2:1 applicant with work experience (of any kind as long as it shows commitment, reliability and time management skills etc) may well fare better then a first class degree applicant who has no real life experience or skills developed outside of their education.

You said you wouldn't force your child to work and I took that to mean you would prefer them to concentrate 100% on their studies, but I actually feel that isn't the best for them in the long run.

You did work experience yourself so you also believe it is useful.

What we disagree on is whether they should contribute (even a small amount) to their living costs and whether there is any use in doing menial work.

skipsmum

paddedjohn wrote: »

if he can afford to bank 1/3 of his dla benefit surely he could afford to give it back to the state as he obviously doesnt need it.

DLA is not based on his income but on his care needs. He has some left over because I provide most of the care. Possibly if we used his money for a mobility car or other family needs he would not have any left over. However, I know that when he goes on to supported living he will need extra things, and I want to make sure his money is there for him.

January20

*max* wrote: »

Well, then people should be aware of the cost having a child before they decide to have one. Just because they turn 17 doesn't mean they should be able to fend for themselves. You have children for life, and as long as they are in education, parents should still contribute.

If they leave education as young adults (17/18), then it's up to the parents whether they charge *some* rent/living costs. Although I don't think I could bring myself to do it, tbh. Taking money from the children you chose to bring into the world sounds very wrong to me. It must be a cultural difference (French).

I'm French too and think exactly the same as you, particularly the sentence I highlighted. I too think it's a cultural difference.

niceday999

*max* wrote: »

Well, then people should be aware of the cost having a child before they decide to have one. Just because they turn 17 doesn't mean they should be able to fend for themselves. You have children for life, and as long as they are in education, parents should still contribute.

If they leave education as young adults (17/18), then it's up to the parents whether they charge *some* rent/living costs. Although I don't think I could bring myself to do it, tbh. Taking money from the children you chose to bring into the world sounds very wrong to me. It must be a cultural difference (French).

could not agree with you more.....we dont have our children to fleece them for a few pounds when thye reach 18.......i want to provide for my children regardless what age they are.... i love them being at home....they are a joy to have around......

niceday999

bestpud wrote: »

That's a moot point though, isn't it?

Most full time courses allow time for a little job so it won't necessarily affect their study and it may well increase their chance of getting a job when they leave.

At HE level I believe it's important that students do work tbh, if only in the holidays.

In many cases, it is probably better to have a 2:1 with a decent CV than a first with no work experience at all.

Even if I was going to keep my children while they study, I would certainly encourage them to do something other than study and socialise, and I'd expect them to work over the summer break if no other time (it's about four months long after all!!!)

dont agree with you ...they have enough college work to do without working and they need a bit of R & R.....they are only "kids " for such a short while........its a big bad world out there......................................................

onlyroz

bestpud wrote: »

My point is, these days, employers expect graduates to have worked during their degree and for many positions a 2:1 applicant with work experience (of any kind as long as it shows commitment, reliability and time management skills etc) may well fare better then a first class degree applicant who has no real life experience or skills developed outside of their education.

On what knowledge are you basing this? I don't know anyone who has been told in an interview "sorry you didn't work in tescos while studying for your degree so I'll give the job to someone who did, even though you scored better than them in your exams"

Oldernotwiser

slightlyconfused1 wrote: »

Hi
You live at home and so you cost your parents money. It must have been really hard for them to ask you to contribute. At 18 you are an adult and should be contributing to your own living expenses. It may mean getting a part time job or it may mean doing without some of the things you spend your money on. That is your decision. A part time job for a few hours a week will not detract from your studies that much and will certainly help with your CV.

As the parent of a student it was really heartbreaking for me to ask him for "housekeeping" when he started a part-time job. I needed the financial help. Now he has left home to go to university I was amazed at how much my food and electricity bills have dropped. On the other hand he was amazed at how much things cost and now boasts about his "bargains". He also does without a lot of things he used to think were essential when someone else was paying.

At 18, in non advanced education, parents receive Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits for their children. I'm all for young people paying their way but at this age and this level of education they are still their parents' responsibility (which is why parents still receive funding for them) and I think it wrong for parents to ask for keep as well.