Reply #16: I do understand. [View All]

I give $1 per week per year of age. It is much less painful for me, as my kids are only 7 and 8.

Would it be possible to have him take his lunch, and start giving him an allowance that he can choose to spend on what he wants? Make the sack lunch be the default position, and if he wants to buy his lunch he can take the money out of his allowance.

I realize that may be unreasonable, as he is 16 and already has his expectations. :) But now isn't the worst time in the world to teach him that you aren't a fountain of available money and he has to learn to live within his means.

(Not applicable to you, but I make my kids split their allowance three ways- 1/3 in spend now money, 1/3 in short term savings and 1/3 in long term savings. They can use their short term savings to save for items that I won't buy them - certain toys or clothes. They can combine their short term and spend now money if they want, but the long term is off limits until college.)