When Do Parents Let Go? ( Archived) (49)

Jun 19, 2012 5:34 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
rohaan
rohaanrohaanCoos Bay, Oregon USA230 Threads 10,534 Posts
Kaybee50: Even though she's still in school Ro? That was their agreement. They would support her through her University. I do believe she herself broke that agreement, however when she began the, "I'm 18 and I can do what I want" thing. And she was allowed to, just to keep a false sense of harmony in the household.
Look. I like you. But you posed a question. You asked when it was time for her ...etc... With the exception of the very young, there is no time like the present. I believe I gave my approval for the continuation of helping with school. School and car are two entirely different things. Don't you think if she is getting married, that even furthers her level of self-reliance and responsibility? What about the husband/dad-to-be? Where is it her family's obligation to foot the bill, so to speak, besides what was agreed upon. I also believe that her becoming pregnant alters the agreement. Sorry, but in this day and age there is absolutely no reason to get pregnant if you are not ready. I say go ahead and help. With the bare necessities. No frills, no thrills. Roof. Food. Studies. (That's a ton more than I got, and I worked my way through college without any help at all.) It will do her a world of good to have to know which way the wind blows.
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Jun 19, 2012 5:49 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
montemonte
montemontemontemonteunknown, New Jersey USA114 Threads 4 Polls 5,631 Posts
Kaybee50: Her parents had agreed to support her throughout her education. So she will continue her education (I think, but who knows at this point). Still, does that mean they should continue to step in now during times of crises? She has a partner, the father of her child, who is as happy as she is about the pregnancy. He is wanting to marry her.

I guess I'm wondering about the "timing" issue here...when is it time for my niece to stop relying on her parents and family for most of her needs, and begin taking on the planning and financial aspects of her future?


Being a parent that grounded my daughter when she went the slighest off track, I would do it again the same way as now she is a responsible adult with a good marriage and a job as a police officer for 22 years.

If those involved were going to help her continue her education I see no reason why you shouldn't still do that. When she graduates she will be able to provide a better income for herself and her child.

If those involved don't help with whatever help she needs.....besides an extravagant car.....the baby will suffer.

I think your niece will grow up when she has that baby in her arms. When she sees that its a real person who will depend on her, she will give up her fantasies and focus more on reality. She's 21, not 16.

I think your family put too much pressure on her. I did it too asking my daughter to join the Air Force. She was accepted but it wasn't what she wanted to do so she opted out and joined the police department. Now she has three more years before she can retire at 51 years old with full benefits. She was rebellous just like your niece but I think there comes a time when you need to give a little to get a lot in return.

What I'm trying to say Bee is, show her that you believe in her. Let her know that you are there for guidance, a shoulder and those days when she's scared to death that she won't make it. We all need to know that even though we let our family down they will still be there when the "it" hits the fan.

Bless you Kaybee for being a good aunt. Lover her and be with her as much as she will let you....hug Don't make it about money....make it about love....teddybear
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Jun 19, 2012 6:17 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
venusenvy
venusenvyvenusenvyCalgary, Alberta Canada27 Threads 20,003 Posts
They are adults at the point where they start making decisions for their lives that you have no control over. Part of being an adult is assuming responsibilities for said choices good or bad. Its part of taking your place in the world and we all did it. I have faith that she will too.

It sounds to me that your niece is blessed Bee, she has the good fortune of having a loving, supportive family and I think this child is also blessed. There are many indeed that are not so blessed. Dont knock yourself for standing back and watching her recieve knocks in life. Its all part of the process. Struggle makes us appreciate, it makes us understand, and in the end it makes us better people.

We cant cocoon our children as much as we wish we could sometimes. hug
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Jun 19, 2012 9:31 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
lead with your heart

and teach by your actions and advice

a newer inexpensive vehicle, a VERY small wedding and a small backyard reception that relatives cook for (vs a caterer)

assess what contributions "dad" can make (her boyfriend) - can he clean the yard and set up the reception and help clean up after?

Has he any mechanical ability? Or could friends fix her auto as a wedding gift??? Reach out!

She can have everything for well less than the price of a new vehicle with creative compromising - Ima realist - from me you are less likely to get advice about the best ways to think and feel and more on: "OK what can we REALLY do here?"

Even if her folks have enough $$$ to put out more extravegance than I have suggested - they should not and NOT because she " broke a promise" not to get pregnant. But because it is time they teach her to budget.

that preggo promise was not a fair or healthy promise to ask (I agree with EW on the emotional blackmail thing as far as that particular promise). - much of this is between the girl and her parents and boyfriend at this point, but she will need you too - and your forgiveness

I think putting a reasonable budget on things she wants while letting her have them (as I suggested) will teach her more about realities of budgeting and keep things loving- tell her the total that cannot be exceeded and then see if some family members can offer up some freebies....a cousin who can DJ? An Aunt who bakes a wedding cake? A close friend's dad who's a great photographer? A glamorous aunt with an awesome gently used wedding dress that can be altered for a fraction of the price of a new one?? Many people are willing to donate their talents as a wedding gift! Then promise her a reward if she can come in under budget - make it positive!!!!!

I have never had a lot of money so I learned to throw a great bash on a shoestring years ago! can ya tell??? :) but no punishments! rejoice! people make mistakes. so what? you are about to see a beautful new baby in your fam! awesomeness KB!!!teddybear
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Jun 19, 2012 9:38 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
montemonte
montemontemontemonteunknown, New Jersey USA114 Threads 4 Polls 5,631 Posts
felixis99: lead with your heart

and teach by your actions and advice

a newer inexpensive vehicle, a VERY small wedding and a small backyard reception that relatives cook for (vs a caterer)

assess what contributions "dad" can make (her boyfriend) - can he clean the yard and set up the reception and help clean up after?

Has he any mechanical ability? Or could friends fix her auto as a wedding gift??? Reach out!

She can have everything for well less than the price of a new vehicle with creative compromising - Ima realist - from me you are less likely to get advice about the best ways to think and feel and more on: "OK what can we REALLY do here?"

Even if her folks have enough $$$ to put out more extravegance than I have suggested - they should not and NOT because she " broke a promise" not to get pregnant. But because it is time they teach her to budget.

that preggo promise was not a fair or healthy promise to ask (I agree with EW on the emotional blackmail thing as far as that particular promise). - much of this is between the girl and her parents and boyfriend at this point, but she will need you too - and your forgiveness

I think putting a reasonable budget on things she wants while letting her have them (as I suggested) will teach her more about realities of budgeting and keep things loving- tell her the total that cannot be exceeded and then see if some family members can offer up some freebies....a cousin who can DJ? An Aunt who bakes a wedding cake? A close friend's dad who's a great photographer? A glamorous aunt with an awesome gently used wedding dress that can be altered for a fraction of the price of a new one?? Many people are willing to donate their talents as a wedding gift! Then promise her a reward if she can come in under budget - make it positive!!!!!

I have never had a lot of money so I learned to throw a great bash on a shoestring years ago! can ya tell??? :) but no punishments! rejoice! people make mistakes. so what? you are about to see a beautful new baby in your fam! awesomeness KB!!!


Teaching a child to budget should start at a very young age. She's not a child, she's an adult. It's a bit too late to teach her the value of money although it would be helpful to show her the rules of making her money work for her. When my daughter was in high school she worked in the school libary after school let out for the day and for the summer. She was responsible to give a certain percent of her paycheck to me, and with the balance she had to save half of it in the bank and the other half was hers to do what she wanted to do with it. Later on when she was 29 years old she bought her own house. The lessons of money need to come at an early age the same way we teach children to say thank you and please.handshake
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Jun 19, 2012 9:43 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
felixis99: lead with your heart

and teach by your actions and advice

a newer inexpensive vehicle, a VERY small wedding and a small backyard reception that relatives cook for (vs a caterer)

assess what contributions "dad" can make (her boyfriend) - can he clean the yard and set up the reception and help clean up after?

Has he any mechanical ability? Or could friends fix her auto as a wedding gift??? Reach out!

She can have everything for well less than the price of a new vehicle with creative compromising - Ima realist - from me you are less likely to get advice about the best ways to think and feel and more on: "OK what can we REALLY do here?"

Even if her folks have enough $$$ to put out more extravegance than I have suggested - they should not and NOT because she " broke a promise" not to get pregnant. But because it is time they teach her to budget.

that preggo promise was not a fair or healthy promise to ask (I agree with EW on the emotional blackmail thing as far as that particular promise). - much of this is between the girl and her parents and boyfriend at this point, but she will need you too - and your forgiveness

I think putting a reasonable budget on things she wants while letting her have them (as I suggested) will teach her more about realities of budgeting and keep things loving- tell her the total that cannot be exceeded and then see if some family members can offer up some freebies....a cousin who can DJ? An Aunt who bakes a wedding cake? A close friend's dad who's a great photographer? A glamorous aunt with an awesome gently used wedding dress that can be altered for a fraction of the price of a new one?? Many people are willing to donate their talents as a wedding gift! Then promise her a reward if she can come in under budget - make it positive!!!!!

I have never had a lot of money so I learned to throw a great bash on a shoestring years ago! can ya tell??? :) but no punishments! rejoice! people make mistakes. so what? you are about to see a beautful new baby in your fam! awesomeness KB!!!


this is not about your daughter and it was a comment directed to the OP, thank you.
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Jun 19, 2012 10:01 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
lifeisadream
lifeisadreamlifeisadreamMexi Go, Mexico State Mexico156 Threads 20 Polls 16,713 Posts
Kaybee50: CS Friends,
I am not a parent, but an Aunt who adores and spoils her nieces and nephews. I feel their joys and disappointments quite intensely, and have been an integral part of their lives. I remember in each case the first time I held them in my arms and looked into their faces.

I share this background information with you so that you have an understanding of why I haven't been able to sleep much at all these past few weeks. My niece is in a hurry to grow up. Weren't we all? She is 21 and has a boyfriend she's been living with for over a year. "Living with" is a relative term here, as she still maintains base camp at her parents' house, still enjoys their financial support (i.e. car, car insurance, the newest and coolest phone, clothes, etc...)

She has been attending University and is studying to be a kindergarten teacher. She promised us that she wouldn't get preggers or run off and get married, until she finished school. We asked nothing more than that, as we want so much for her to have a satisfying future with a study income. I gave her a ring to Christmas's past and asked her to wear it as a token to me, her favorite Aunt, that she would stand true to her promise.

She is pregnant. I have gone through the stages of shock, disappointment, and now acceptance of the situation. I only hoped that she wasn't dealing with adult responsibilities until she was ready.

I wanted this to be short and to the point. I apologize of my long-windedness. This is weighing heavily on my shoulders. And here is what is weighing heavily...

1) She told (not asked mind you), but told her mother she was wanting a big wedding.
2) Her car is breaking down on a regular basis. Here is what I read on her Facebook Wall this morning:

"My pregnancy is going well...I wish I could drive a better car, especially since I am pregnant now. I don't like the thought of breaking down on the side of the road in the winter."

I am so annoyed by the post. To me, it is her manipulative way of playing a victim, and expecting her parents, grandparents to continue to support her financially, as long as she pleases.

If I were the parent, I would've allowed her to be the adult she so desperately wanted to be when she started not coming home at nights, with no communication.

I understand what it means to be a friend and supportive of your family members and your children. But, I would no longer support her financially, as I feel it's time she and her boyfriend step up to the plate and figure out their future, their budget, and accept that unexpected things will always happen, and how to deal with them without expecting a hand out, as it has been their entire life.

I would enjoy all differing opinions please...



Too much love can do the same harm that none.





bouquet
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Jun 19, 2012 11:24 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
montemonte
montemontemontemonteunknown, New Jersey USA114 Threads 4 Polls 5,631 Posts
felixis99: this is not about your daughter and it was a comment directed to the OP, thank you.


Felix, I tried to email you but you have me blocked. I wanted to say this in private but I can't.

Your post about it not being about my daughter is a bit over the top. Why so negative Felix?

All I was doing was trying to show that when you give kids a chance they will show you that they can make good decisions even when it's not the adults choice as my daughter did and maybe Kaybee's niece can also make a good decision even though she went stray. handshake
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Jun 20, 2012 3:06 AM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
bubbles2012
bubbles2012bubbles2012Southern Brisbane, Queensland Australia22 Threads 1 Polls 784 Posts
Kaybee50: CS Friends,
I am not a parent, but an Aunt who adores and spoils her nieces and nephews. I feel their joys and disappointments quite intensely, and have been an integral part of their lives. I remember in each case the first time I held them in my arms and looked into their faces.

I share this background information with you so that you have an understanding of why I haven't been able to sleep much at all these past few weeks. My niece is in a hurry to grow up. Weren't we all? She is 21 and has a boyfriend she's been living with for over a year. "Living with" is a relative term here, as she still maintains base camp at her parents' house, still enjoys their financial support (i.e. car, car insurance, the newest and coolest phone, clothes, etc...)

She has been attending University and is studying to be a kindergarten teacher. She promised us that she wouldn't get preggers or run off and get married, until she finished school. We asked nothing more than that, as we want so much for her to have a satisfying future with a study income. I gave her a ring to Christmas's past and asked her to wear it as a token to me, her favorite Aunt, that she would stand true to her promise.

She is pregnant. I have gone through the stages of shock, disappointment, and now acceptance of the situation. I only hoped that she wasn't dealing with adult responsibilities until she was ready.

I wanted this to be short and to the point. I apologize of my long-windedness. This is weighing heavily on my shoulders. And here is what is weighing heavily...

1) She told (not asked mind you), but told her mother she was wanting a big wedding.
2) Her car is breaking down on a regular basis. Here is what I read on her Facebook Wall this morning:

"My pregnancy is going well...I wish I could drive a better car, especially since I am pregnant now. I don't like the thought of breaking down on the side of the road in the winter."

I am so annoyed by the post. To me, it is her manipulative way of playing a victim, and expecting her parents, grandparents to continue to support her financially, as long as she pleases.

If I were the parent, I would've allowed her to be the adult she so desperately wanted to be when she started not coming home at nights, with no communication.

I understand what it means to be a friend and supportive of your family members and your children. But, I would no longer support her financially, as I feel it's time she and her boyfriend step up to the plate and figure out their future, their budget, and accept that unexpected things will always happen, and how to deal with them without expecting a hand out, as it has been their entire life.

I would enjoy all differing opinions please...


Time for her to grow up and her parents to kick her out of the nest...

Becoming a parent is a big responsibility... some mature and take on the responsibility very well, others use parents to look after baby/child while they still do their own thing... as an Aunt I can understand your desire to kick butt... but it is up to her parents to lay down the law ....
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Jun 20, 2012 7:30 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
I just want to thank everyone for your advice and input. This is what I needed, differing viewpoints from those who have raised children. You have given me valuable things to think about.

Thank you. teddybear teddybear teddybear
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Jun 20, 2012 8:14 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
Kaybee50: I just want to thank everyone for your advice and input. This is what I needed, differing viewpoints from those who have raised children. You have given me valuable things to think about.

Thank you.


blesss your hear for caring! she is lucky to have you!teddybear
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Jun 20, 2012 8:15 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
felixis99: blesss your hear for caring! she is lucky to have you!


that is supposed to say - blesss your heart for caring!
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Jun 21, 2012 6:32 AM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
felixis99: blesss your hear for caring! she is lucky to have you!


Thank you Felixis. hug
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Jun 21, 2012 7:05 AM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
chris27292729
chris27292729chris27292729IOS island, South Aegean Greece93 Threads 15,811 Posts
Haven't read all the replies,though the fault rest,First with her parents and secondly with aunts and uncles.To reverse a situation such like,you can only achieve it with drastic mesaures,such as cutting any financial aid whatsoever,telling her you are over 18 years old,therefore responsible for your life and the path you want to follow in this life.Of course, probably been used to be treated differently,will come for help again,but if parents and aunts+uncles act in unison,and make their hearts like a rock and not giving in to her for some time,then results will appear in the horison,as she will realise,that life has to sides of a coin.Just my one cent,whish has 2 sides.-JMO
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Jun 21, 2012 11:01 AM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
chris27292729: Haven't read all the replies,though the fault rest,First with her parents and secondly with aunts and uncles.To reverse a situation such like,you can only achieve it with drastic mesaures,such as cutting any financial aid whatsoever,telling her you are over 18 years old,therefore responsible for your life and the path you want to follow in this life.Of course, probably been used to be treated differently,will come for help again,but if parents and aunts+uncles act in unison,and make their hearts like a rock and not giving in to her for some time,then results will appear in the horison,as she will realise,that life has to sides of a coin.Just my one cent,whish has 2 sides.-JMO


Thank you Chris. hug

I have come to the conclusion that I need to simply remove myself from the situation. I will offer my advice to all involved, if asked, and continue to love them (as if I could change that all. smile)

I know it doesn't matter how much I will worry. They will all make their own decisions, own mistakes, own successes.
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Jun 21, 2012 11:16 AM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
venusenvy
venusenvyvenusenvyCalgary, Alberta Canada27 Threads 20,003 Posts
Just remember Bee, Your niece is truly blessed. That puts her ahead of the game hug
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Jun 21, 2012 11:18 AM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
venusenvy: Just remember Bee, Your niece is truly blessed. That puts her ahead of the game


Awwww c'mere V. hug hug hug
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Jun 21, 2012 11:19 AM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
venusenvy
venusenvyvenusenvyCalgary, Alberta Canada27 Threads 20,003 Posts
Kaybee50: Awwww c'mere V.


I have the feeling that with the strong role models she has around her, like yourself, she is going to be just fine peace
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Jun 21, 2012 11:24 AM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
venusenvy: I have the feeling that with the strong role models she has around her, like yourself, she is going to be just fine


Awww, c'mere again V!!! hug teddybear hug teddybear
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Jun 21, 2012 1:08 PM CST When Do Parents Let Go?
EagleWoman
EagleWomanEagleWomanMalaga, Andalusia Spain22 Threads 4,719 Posts
Kaybee50: Thank you Chris.

I have come to the conclusion that I need to simply remove myself from the situation. I will offer my advice to all involved, if asked, and continue to love them (as if I could change that all. )

I know it doesn't matter how much I will worry. They will all make their own decisions, own mistakes, own successes.


The love of a caring aunt cannot be over-estimated!! hug

Transforming the "worry" energy into vizualising positive outcomes all round will be more pleasant for you and help tip the balance betweence positive and negative energies!! If you´re gonna invest emotonal energy, might as well made good use of it, for yourself and your loved ones!!

teddybear
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