How old do you think a kid shold be before they have to pay for things themselves?

Question

I am 13 and my mom wants me to pay for my own clothes, fash wash, shoes, ect. I dont think this is fair because I hardly make any money. Do you think this is fair and what age do you think if fair.

Answer 1

Maybe you should start a conversation with your mom about what it costs to clothe you and shoe you and ask her how you can make that type of money?  I think 13 isn't unreasonable to pitch in for the "wants", but not the needs.  Sit down with her and devise a budget on what she thinks is a reasonable amount of money per month to buy you certain items and what you think is reasonable.  If she doesn't want to pay $60 for a pair of major brand sneakers than tell her to pitch in the $25 (or whatever she would have spent) for off brand stuff and you can take care of the rest.  When you have to take repsponsibility for your own things, you tend to treat them a little nicer than if you weren't paying for them.  Same for face wash, make up, etc.  If you approach her in an adult fashion I'm sure she'd be alot more willing to listen to reason.

Answer 2

Well there is nothing wrong with buying your own clothes once in a while with like babysitting money or something but unless u have a job and is over 16 then u should pay for your own stuff but you are only 13 and since u hardly make any money maybe you should explain to your mom how u feel or ask for allounce so that u can buy your clothes or something

I am 15 going on 16 in august and my mother still pays for my clothing on occasion i pay for my own sneakers and things but as soon as i get my job this summer i will start to pay for my own things and personally i cant wait =]

Answer 3

Your parents need to supply the basic necessities but if you want anything above and beyond that and your mom doesn't feel its a necessity then you should earn cash and pay for it...

Start doing things around the house or the neighborhood to earn cash!!  Make your parent's proud..

Answer 4

Well I guess the question is if you are making money - What are you using it for. You're spending it on something why not help your parents, and yourself by buying your own clothes? I bought most everything myself from the time I was 12 so I got you by a year. Heck I bought my sisters prom dress. It gives you a little more freedom and responsibility. They're doing you a favor cuz once you get to high school and college you'll be used to making decisions and your friends will be the jacked up ones.

Answer 5

when they have a job.

Answer 6

parents need to provide, food, shelter, and clothing, and all other basic necessities for their child until they turn 18 years old, a kid should only be made to pay for extras they want and even then  only if they happen to have a job and make their money. its not right to ask your minor child to provide their own necessities.

Ben, i agree completely.

Answer 7

When they get a job.Not allowance,a real job.

Answer 8

Once they get a job. Its the best & easiest way for them to learn how to manage their money.

By job, I don't mean babysitting or anything like that, as that doesn't usually bring in much money.

I mean a $/per hour, after school & weekend, taxes taken out of your paycheck job.

Around 16.

Answer 9

At 13 you shouldn't have to pay for clothes/shoes/etc. yourself (unless you insist  on buying that silly "designer" c**p). At that age, though, you should be paying for movies or concert tickets or whatever else yourself.

Answer 10

I think if you have a steady job at the age of 16, then you can pay for your own expenses.  But, the question is at age 13, why would your mom ask you to pay for your own expenses?  Is your mom too financially hard up that she would need help from you?  If she is in a tight financial situation, then I think it would be nice of you to help her by sharing your income with funding your expenses.  Usually parents will tell these things to their kids the moment their kids start acting they don't need them or they don't need to be told what to do.  It is normal for anyone to react this way, especially parents -  if they are told by their kids "I am a grownup and I know how to handle myself."  Well, if kids think that it is not fair for them to be scolded or be monitored by their parents, then it is not fair either for the parents to handle the cost of raising kids and not impose their parental rights of guiding their kids.