As the academic year comes to an end and the kids return home from college, there is a tendency for them to unconsciously “suck all of the air out of the room.” This phenomenon is by no means limited to air; it also applies to time, energy and most and distressingly, money from your wallet.
Illogically, most summer jobs that college kids get, (even if they are fortunate enough to have paying ones) do not seem to produce any greenbacks until the job is complete; similar to a hostage situation. And that's where we come in and when the hemorrhaging begins. Good luck on staunching the bleeding … it truly is a challenge!
I honestly cannot begin to fathom what it must be like to have girls on the other end of this financial situation. I know that I have it easy, since my boys do not: highlight their hair, go tanning, wax any part of their bodies, have manicures, pedicures, or indulge in any spa related treatments. They do not have shoe fetishes (at least not that I know of, hmm, and if they do, they are not the buying kind); they don't even like to shop and avoid it whenever possible. Yet... it still seems as if I am always reaching into my wallet for that nonexistent cash and if I'm not mistaken, I hear a faint,” You again?” when I punch in my ATM pin number.
My boys do however, drive and eat, which oftentimes go hand in hand. And as basic as these two activities may be to suburban life, the current price of gas will surely make the cost of “fueling” your child, less than palatable.
I am also not one who feels comfortable lending money to my kids; I either give it or I don't, and I am reconciled to the fact that at this stage of their lucky little lives, they are still on the receiving end of childhood. In that, I do find some modicum of comfort. The truth is, I love their stage of life and the relevant role my husband and I play in it. They're thinking and growing and trying to mold themselves into the people they hope to be, which is clearly a work in progress. And, as we know with all great works, “funding” is always required.
My husband (half) jokingly refers to himself as the “economic engine” and the kids not jokingly, fully agree. They know that the picnic will be over sooner than later and that Daddy and Mommy won't be driving the train anymore. Fortunately for all of us, they seem to have an innate sense of appreciation and know that by not abusing the situation, they will yield the biggest dividend; A lifelong bond of mutual love, respect and m-a-y-b-e... just maybe, a credit card with their name on it; but... only for "emergencies".
