There are times that parents equate their love for their children with the money that they give to their kids and the things they can provide. Yes, money can help children become comfortable and happy, yet it can also be the tool for kids to have access to dangerous activities. Sometimes, when parents expect their children to become responsible and grateful for the privileges they have given, the exact opposite can occur.
Sadly, some kids who are used to receiving money from their parents can instead become demanding and resentful when they aren’t provided with the resources that they are so used to receiving. Other children even become lazy and bored as they don’t see the need to work hard for the money, because their parents give them more than enough for what they need. Thus, this leads to the spark that could initiate harmful habits, such as substance abuse.
A 2003 survey conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University showed that kids who receive more than $25 a week in allowance are twice as likely to go into marijuana abuse.
This is why parents are advised to monitor the amounts that they give to their children. When a child has the money, he becomes a prey to vicious criminals. They may be lulled into drugs easily, and as children are naturally curious, chances are very high that they will heed the call of these dangerous substances. Once addiction takes roots, kids may learn to take their parent’s credit cards, borrow money from relatives, or even steal from neighbors just to satisfy their cravings.
Tags: teen budget, teen drug abuse, teen finances, teen money
#1 by John Martin on April 27th, 2011
I am 16, young, mature and quite intellectual to be honest. I believe all of this had to come from when my parents started giving me an allowance. I’ve never tried Cannabis, although I’ve been interested as I’ve watched real documentaries on the plant and decided I should give it a try, why not?
I have never been so relieved. I vaporize my herbs about once or twice every week to achieve a desirable feeling of my ADHD completely brought down and I tend to only vaporize when I have to go home tests, essays and much more.
It’s brought me to see better positive outlooks on life, my suicidal temptations are now clear and not hazy. My mind is finally as one, I am worrying less on my family problems that’s occuring, which I shouldn’t be in the first place.
I feel like weight has been lifted and I found a miracle drug. I’ve read numerous studies from NORML that source back to Harvard, UCLA, etc. studies that this plant is just absolutely amazing. Even our government has a patent for marijuana due to it’s antioxidants and medical benefits. Although even when the DEA says there isn’t and remains as a schedule one narcotic.
I want to say, you guys are still doing an awesome job, even though I don’t agree with this article! Keep up the wonderful work and stay open-minded.
Best Regards,
John Martin
Teenager in Arizona
#2 by Kristina L on May 3rd, 2011
I think that peer pressure as alot to do with kids trying drugs for the first time as well as having nothing to do. Even if their parents dont give them money, there is always a “friend” that they hang around that uses some type of drug and is willing to share.
#3 by Bill at FamZoo on May 18th, 2011
I think its helpful for the children to formally track their spending as well (in a ledger or online shared with parents). Not only does that transparency discourage inappropriate use of the funds, it also builds a solid personal finance skill that will benefit them later in life.