[TheMadonna3]

My parents never expected me to pay for room or food or essential clothing when I was in school and by school I mean high school.

My first job was when I was 15. I made very little money and my parents let me keep it all.

When I turned 17 and wanted a car I still was working. I was required to pay for my own gas and my portion of the car insurance.

When I was 18, nothing changed except my age. Food and rent were still free because my parents wanted me to feel like I always had a home. I always knew where there was a roof and food on the table. Essential clothing was also purchased for me.

In college, I was expected to pay for a little bit of my own expenses (clothes were all on me, I had to get my own car insurance, worked part time for extra money) as my parents got the college bill. My dad made too much money for me to get a lot of financial aid. They sent me an allowance every month for food, but once that was gone, I was on my own. I kept a part time job with just a few hours to make some cash to have on hand. I had to do a lot of clinicals and couldn't really work more than that, but I had a really easy job where I could do my homework while I was at work.

I was not expected to pay my own way until I decided it was time for be to be an adult. My parents let me come to the decision on my own and I made that decision too hastily. I went crawling back home with my tail between my legs and room and food were once again free. The debts I incurred I had to pay, but my parents made sure the payments were made on time.

My parents NEVER asked for money for board or food. The rest was on me. Finally, when I was 24 and married I was ready to leave and I have been fine since. I think letting me choose to venture out on my own helped.