Should child pay for summer camp?

Question

Okay, this is a little embarrassing because I feel like a horrible parent.  I have a daughter, who will be 12 in May.  I don't receive child support because I cannot find her father.  I have gotten laid off from my job so money is extremely tight.  All of my daughter's life, I have paid for everything, bought her anything she wanted, given her money to go out with friends and their parents, etc.  She has never used her own money.  That being said, I should also say that my child is not spoiled.  She doesn't ask for much.  She was never one of those kids crying or begging me in a store to buy her something.  She has everything her friends have, the uggs, the north face jackets, the ipods, cell phone, etc but not because she begged for them.  She has gotten most of the stuff for Christmas or birthdays and once in awhile in between as a surprise because she is a good kid and doesn't expect it and she is always very grateful.  Now my dilemma.....she has gone to the same summer camp for about 5 years.  She wants to go again this year.  The problem is that I really can't afford it.  Also, since I don't have a job right now, she doesn't have to go but I know she wants to and it is good for her because it will keep her busy and active.  Since she really wants to go, would it be okay to ask her to pay a little something towards it...maybe like $200.00?  She has savings accounts, cd's and savings bonds that me and her grandparents have given her for when she is older to do with what she wants.  I don't want her to use any of those except maybe some money out of the savings account.  I feel bad because I think of summer camp as something a parent should pay for but I'm really strapped......would like to hear some opinions.  Thanks!

Haulie · Accepted Answer

You can explain to her that you'd love for her to go but unfortunately are not in the position to pay for it all on your own right now. If she'd like to go then she would have to contribute $200 from her savings. I don't think that's harmful. If anything it teaches her the value of money and that mom's not made out of it. She doesn't sound like a spoiled kid, and I doubt she'd really mind pitching in the $200 if she has it and if she really wants to go to the camp. Just explain that you're out of work, as she knows, and that you'd love for her to go but would need her to contribute a little this year if she'd like to attend. Not a big deal.

tanner · Answer

$200?!  Savings accounts/cd's/bonds should be for college or emergencies.  No, it's not ok to ask her to pay something towards it.  Of course you've paid for everything for her (clothes, money to do things, electronic gadgets, etc) - it's your job to provide for her, you are her mother.  It's not her fault you made a baby with a loser who you can not find & don't get child support from, it's not her fault you got laid off.  If you want her to go, than you make it happen, or you explain to her that you don't have the money right now.  Since you're laid off, you are still getting paid something- an unemployment check from the state, so budget your money better, have a yard sale, get a job a McDonalds, you need to do what you can to provide for your family.  It's not fair to expect your child to pay.

? · Answer

If the new child help is courtroom ordered, then it is going to be paid month-to-month regardless of the place the infants decide for the summer season. summer season camp, clothing, presents, journeys that dad pays for are all to boot to new child help except your help settlement states in any different case.

Anonymous · Answer

Its not ok to have your 12 year old pay!! Maybe you should pay for something more her age (summer camp) instead of cell phones, ipods, uggs!! 12 year olds don't really need that stuff!! Use your judgment!! Good luck!!

Anonymous · Answer

Sure! If she wants to go badly enough than she should be motivated to pay for at least some of it. Especially since you've bought her everything else and you can't afford it yourself.

Marie S Zachary · Answer

Well it seems to me like you have two options here.  You let her pay for part of it and then pay her back when you get the money or you let her pay for it and not pay her back.  I think option A would be better for you.

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Should child pay for summer camp?

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