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Posted by:
Dorothy Stahlnecker on
July 26, 2007 at
10:58PM EST
My two granddaughters are 18 and 19. One is going to summer school to finish high school the other is starting her second year of college.
Both are very stressed at what their future holds. They think earning a living is going to be tough. Their main concern, how to earn enough money to have a car, apartment, and all the expenses which go along with it. I'm in silent agreement as I recognize the cost of housing, cars, and insurance have gone through the roof
How do we prepare our young adults for the expenses which seem out of control? My day job is commercial real estate. Our company owns several thousand rental units so I'm aware of all aspects of the market. For young people to have an apartment today, They will probably have to share with a roommate.
I'd be stressed at the prospect of how to get started. Do we begin with a budget? Is it the obligation of the parent to furnish the first apartment? How much do they need to earn in order to live on their own? What do you think the right age is before they leave the house to live on their own?
A parents job is to help their children become independent. If this is the case, how do we not worry? My granddaughters secretly have me worried sick. I know what's out there. I don't want to panic them however, I agree there is a lot of stress, when they think about creating a plan for their futures.
Each time, we've discussed this subject, I sense fear and concern. I wonder if I was this way when I was young. Being 61, sorry guys it's hard to remember. I think I was too nave, and I just thought it had to work. I was married at 18 and I admittedly assumed my husband would take care of me..... Three husbands later, I realize I would be the one to take care of myself. (that's another subject, another time)
Speak to your children about their future. What they want to do for a living, and what they will need to earn to cover expenses when they are on their own. Discuss budgets, cost, models for what expenses they can expect.
Growing up knowing what is coming will help eliminate the unknown. My granddaughters and their mom and dad, have been great regarding family discussions. Discussions regarding what the cost could be and hearing experince from their older brothers has helped.
There seems to be great concern today, with kids as to whether or not they can make it on their own. Ask them, you might be surprised hearing their answers. Kids today need to know what to prepare for. Many parents have been over achievers, and kids are concerned they won't be able to meet the same expectations.
I hope this will give you the idea to sit down and ask a few inquiring questions on the subject. Good luck and let me know what you think.
Dorothy from grammology.
(1) Comments
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Posted by: Cheer87 on July 31, 2007 9:49AM EST
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