Don't get me started on auto insurance. My son has his permit but I am putting off getting the license as it would cost $170 per month just to add him. No way--not until he has a job and pays for it himself. Not to mention that he will not use my car at all.
The thought of my 2000 Le Sabre getting totaled is enough to keep the kids locked up until they are 21. I can't afford getting my car totaled.
>Don't get me started on auto insurance. My son has his permit but I am putting off getting the license as it would cost $170 per month just to add him. No way--not until he has a job and pays for it himself. Not to mention that he will not use my car at all. <
There is nothing wrong with having him pay for the extra car insurance cost. They will tend to drive more carefully when it is their own money and property at stake. My main concern was the kid's safety first and foremost. Driving is a big responsibility. Not only can carelessness cause them grave harm but they are responsible for the lives of others as well. Having them be financially responsible for the privelege of driving drives that home (no pun intended).
Parents these days give their kids so much without them having to earn any of it that it makes the parents like you and me who are tougher with their kids almost look abusive doesn't it? It's not easy raising kids the old fashioned way these days. There are alot of pressures for both the kids and the parents.
I think you have a better chance to win the battle if you either home school or keep the kids in private school. If I was raising kids today that is probably what I would do.