Should 17yr old (not studying) pay rent?

brucefan1962

Just wondering what people think about this. Our 17yr old son (18 in Feb 2012) left college this year (was not allowed to return for 2nd year). Is trying to make a career as singer/songwriter (yes, I know, chance in a million of being succesful).

When he was in college, was only doing 14 hours of study per week but never managed to get a weekend/part time job, mainly because he didn't try very hard!

Has now got some casual work, (not cash in hand, but as and when required).

So, the big question is, do we charge rent or wait until he's 18?

He's never been good with money, spends it mentally before he's got it, and has blown half the money we've saved for him since he was a baby. What are your thoughts please?

Lotus-eater

Yes.

Set it at a reasonable level, but yes he should pay.

LandyAndy

I presume you meant he's 18 in Feb 2012?

Tell him that gives him 4 months to save the deposit on the flat he'll be renting from then.;)

adamantine

charge him rent or seet him housework "chores" to do instead. he can easily write music in his spare time but he needs to realise that food and shelter dont come free.

MamaMoo_2

brucefan1962 wrote: »

Just wondering what people think about this. Our 17yr old son (18 in Feb 2011) left college this year (was not allowed to return for 2nd year). Is trying to make a career as singer/songwriter (yes, I know, chance in a million of being succesful).

When he was in college, was only doing 14 hours of study per week but never managed to get a weekend/part time job, mainly because he didn't try very hard!

Has now got some casual work, (not cash in hand, but as and when required).

So, the big question is, do we charge rent or wait until he's 18?

He's never been good with money, spends it mentally before he's got it, and has blown half the money we've saved for him since he was a baby. What are your thoughts please?

Do you receive benefits etc for him?
If so, then no, don't charge him rent yet, but make it clear that as soon as he's 18, he will have to pay rent.

Desperado99

Yes.

It only needs to be a nominal amount but yes, absolutely.

If you feel guilty about it (don't!) put it in a savings account (in your name, not his) and return it to him later in life (to help with a deposit for a flat, or a car etc).

BitterAndTwisted

Every family is different and some families with a 17 year-old not working and earning may not need his contribution to the family finances and therefore might be quite happy to support them for the time being.

My own thoughts are that he should contribute something, even if it's only a tenner a week. This should confirm the attitude that no-one gets a free ride forever. What are you going to do if he continues to live at home not earning much into his late twenties, still imagining that a money-earning career in music is just around the corner?

Metranil_Vavin

I think he should be contributing financially.

It'll also help him to learn the value of money/budgeting what he earns etc

brucefan1962

MamaMoo wrote: »

Do you receive benefits etc for him?
If so, then no, don't charge him rent yet, but make it clear that as soon as he's 18, he will have to pay rent.

Don't receive any benefits, child benefit for him has just been stopped. Also, his girlfriend spends 3/4 nights a week at ours, he'll spend 1 night a week at hers, if we're lucky!

I'm thinking of saying 20% of his wages, up to maximum of £25 per week. I think that's reasonable, he thinks he shouldn't have to pay until he's an adult

LMCD

I would say he needs to think about getting a permanent job before you fully charge him anything but make it clear - I was working when 17 as an OJ and been working ever since - music can be his hobby. He might not like it but needs something secure to fall back on.

If he is not allowed back for studying and done little hours and didn't find job cos you say he hadn't tried hard I would maybe toughen up a little and not allow for hand outs for an easy life - if anything it can be the best thing you can do.

Would you say your son is talented that you think they have something unique? You could encourage him about getting a job and doing gigs in his spare time - finding other band members.. this would get him extra income and feed his passion.

MamaMoo_2

brucefan1962 wrote: »

Don't receive any benefits, child benefit for him has just been stopped. Also, his girlfriend spends 3/4 nights a week at ours, he'll spend 1 night a week at hers, if we're lucky!

I'm thinking of saying 20% of his wages, up to maximum of £25 per week. I think that's reasonable, he thinks he shouldn't have to pay until he's an adult

In that case, 20% of his wages sounds more than fair. Although, it'd probably be easier for you to set a weekly amount in £ rather than %, as this may encourage him to find a better job so he doesn't end up worse off some weeks
Alternatively, ask him to contribute a % to the energy bills and the food bill (it's not fair to expect you to feed him and his girlfriend all the time)
Also, set him chores to do, if he's not out at work, he can use his spare time to tidy up etc.