How much board should a teenager starting full-time work pay?

[Howie]

Ok so one of my teens is now working full time, I am after some Opinions On how much Board a teenager starting an entry level Job should be expected to pay. I have an amount in mind, but am interested in others views. For the purpose of the attached Poll all amounts would be weekly.

[Big Dan]

Ok so one of my teens is now working full time, I am after some Opinions On how much Board a teenager starting an entry level Job should be expected to pay. I have an amount in mind, but am interested in others views. For the purpose of the attached Poll all amounta would be weekly.

i'd say between 100-130

[Highlander]

Tough one to answer isn't it.
You want to charge them enough so they know they are paying (and don't stay for ever) but not so much they can't save as well.

We have ours paying $80 / week - token gesture really, I'm sure he eats at least that.
He has been told that goes up $10 every birthday untill he finishes his apprenticeship. Then it doubles every birthday (we do want him to leave home eventually).

Years ago when my wife started working, her folks didn't charge her board, but she had to save $100 / week, if she didn't save it she'd start paying board. When we got married her savings was the only money we had.

[Big Dan]

think of it this way how much would you charge a boarder for rent and maybe take $20=30 off that being family and also does the total include power and food and all expenses and meals cooked for them lots of things to think of

when i was living with my mum in stokes valley i was paying 100 and that covered everything and meals cooked

[McDuck]

If it is full tiime (on minimum wage) he should be getting at least 300-400pw. I would charge 15 Pw, invest it on his behalf and give it to him when i gos to buy a house. FYI he will not be paying less than 150 in th real world and you are there to prep him for that.

(above is calculated on adult minimum wage...)

[LBD]

30% of net income


he's a Brain surgeon right?

[peasea]

Ok so one of my teens is now working full time, I am after some Opinions On how much Board a teenager starting an entry level Job should be expected to pay. I have an amount in mind, but am interested in others views. For the purpose of the attached Poll all amounts would be weekly.

When I started work my olds went on a percentage of wage, that being 20%.

I earned $25 a week back then (gas was 47c a gallon, or 4.5l) so I paid $5 a week board. I could do a shitload on the twenty bucks I had left and had a V8 after just 3 months of working.

Been broke ever since.

[peasea]

30% of net income


he's a Brain surgeon right?

Well, if he is I'd rather have a free bottle in front of me than a pre-frontal lobotomy.

[Big Dan]

ok i would like to know who voted "none" on the poll and tell me why

could this be your son?

[Highlander]

(above is calculated on adult minimum wage...)

Teen ager is likely to be on youth rate and if they are being trained they don't even have to be paid that.

Edit: From the Department of Labour website (http://www.ers.dol.govt.nz/pay/minimum.html)


There are three minimum wage rates:

the adult minimum wage applies to all employees aged 16 and over who are not new entrants or trainees

the new entrants minimum wage applies to employees aged 16 and 17 except for those who have completed 200 hours or three months of employment, whichever is shorter; or who are supervising or training other workers; or who are trainees

the training minimum wage applies to employees aged 16 and over who are doing recognised industry training involving at least 60 credits a year.
There is no statutory minimum wage for employees who are under 16 years old.

Minimum wage rates from 1 April 2009
The adult minimum wage is $12.50 an hour. That’s $100 for an eight hour day, and $500 for a 40 hour week.

The new entrants minimum wage and the training minimum wage are $10.00 an hour. That’s $80 for an eight hour day, and $400 for a 40 hour week.

By law, employers must pay at least the minimum wage - even if an employee is paid by commission or by piece rate. The minimum wage applies to all workers aged 16 years or older, including home workers, casuals, temporary and part-time workers.

The only exception is when an employee holds an exemption permit.

Holiday pay must be paid in addition to the minimum wage. If an employee receives “pay-as-you-go” holiday pay, this payment must be a separate and identifiable part of their pay.

An increase in the minimum wage will not affect an employee’s other conditions of employment, unless they agree to the changes.

An employee being paid less than the minimum wage can complain to a Labour Inspector, who may investigate and act to recover any money owed. Employees can also get help from our mediators.

[McDuck]

Teen ager is likely to be on youth rate and if they are being trained they don't even have to be paid that.

If this is the case i would go with 1/3 income...

[Jantar]

20% of gross or 33% of nett income. That means that they are making a worthwhile contribution, but not paying so much as feel that they are working for nothing. It is also close to what is acceptable as a percentage of income that banks are likely to work on when determing a mortgage repayment later in life.

[Jonno.]

Give em a bit of lee way it's their first full time job. it depends on their income. you could always charge a bit more and save some money for em for when they move out.

[Howie]

Thanks for all the replys so far, I haven't put my vote up yet, but is interesting to see a bit of variation in the amounts, the job is full time at not that much over mimimun wage, and the none vote wasn't from my teenager. The percentage figure actually seems like a good idea to me.

[Ragingrob]

ok i would like to know who voted "none" on the poll and tell me why

could this be your son?

Because I think that parents should support their kids by providing food and shelter, free of charge.

[Howie]

Yep saving some for there future use is certainly going to happen.

[Her_C4]

When I started work my olds went on a percentage of wage, that being 20%.

I earned $25 a week back then (gas was 47c a gallon, or 4.5l) so I paid $5 a week board. I could do a shitload on the twenty bucks I had left and had a V8 after just 3 months of working.

Been broke ever since.

Here I am showing my age (again!) but when I started work I was earning $18.50 a week and paid $10 board. I barely had enough money left to buy bus tickets and panty hose;).

Moving forward to my children and it became quite an exercise to determine what was fair as they were still students. I think around $25% of their income is pretty reasonable as a starting point, along with specific contributions towards the support of the household (ie cooking for one day a week, dishes, laundry, shopping etc).

[Virago]

When I first started work (way back in the 70's), I earned $40 in the hand for a 40 hour week - I paid $15 to Mum and Dad.

When our daughter started work about 3 years ago, we charged her $80 a week - quite cheap in comparison.

[cowboyz]

depends on the kid. if they are responsible then give em a break so they can save and pay for stuff later. If they still have some learning to do then charge them whatever and give half back at the end of the year. Its an incentive thing.

[Highlander]

Because I think that parents should support their kids by providing food and shelter, free of charge.

Whilst I agree with that philosophy, once they are in full time employment I think they should be contributing financially. Though I can understand there may be times when that needs to give way to the parenting / nurturing / assisting mode for a specific reason, and that should be short term to get them back on their feet.



depends on the kid. if they are responsible then give em a break so they can save and pay for stuff later. If they still have some learning to do then charge them whatever and give half back at the end of the year. Its an incentive thing.

Good idea, but probably more of an incentive to talk about it with them and let them know that they are getting it cheap so they can (and are expected to) save, then let them see the savings build up in their own account.

[peasea]

Here I am showing my age (again!) but when I started work I was earning $18.50 a week and paid $10 board. I barely had enough money left to buy bus tickets and panty hose;).

Moving forward to my children and it became quite an exercise to determine what was fair as they were still students. I think around $25% of their income is pretty reasonable as a starting point, along with specific contributions towards the support of the household (ie cooking for one day a week, dishes, laundry, shopping etc).

Well, lucky you! I NEVER had enough money for panty hose; I'm still undergoing counselling for that.

I told my kids they could live with me for free if they were studying and produced good grades. My youngest is off to Uni next year but geography got in the way of her living with us so I'll top her a/c as often as I can but it won't be much.

Student loans suck and I'd rather try to prevent her having one.

[Subike]

My mother had a solution to this problem which I think works well;
There were 7 of us children, not all working at same time of course, but spread out over 12 years...
20% of the income we earnt before Tax was what she charged us for board.
This was adjusted each time we got pay increases due to either job changes of hours work on apprentiships.
This was 30 + years sgo and may not work in todays economic climate.
It was the equivalent to either a weeks rent or a weeks mortage payment at the time.
I concider it to be fair, and charged my own sons the same 20% when they started working.
as there were several of us working at one time in the family, because we all paid the same 20%, it was fair on everybody, and nobody felt they were paying too much or too little.

[98tls]

Voted the hundy,fwiw probably a bit soft considering mum will no doubt do the washing etc,will at least go somewhat to preparing him for the real world.Made me think of my old mans words ie "will give you nothing but a job".

[Indiana_Jones]

$150 I reckon if they're working fulltime and getting mummy to wipe their bum still.

Depends on how much they earn etc.

-Indy

[Howie]

Voted the hundy,fwiw probably a bit soft considering mum will no doubt do the washing etc,will at least go somewhat to preparing him for the real world.Made me think of my old mans words ie "will give you nothing but a job".


$150 I reckon if they're working fulltime and getting mummy to wipe their bum still.

Depends on how much they earn etc.

-Indy

Ok to clear one thing up, the only Parent in this household is myself a full time working single parent, so both my teens already help out a bit with household chores.

[Highlander]

Ok to clear one thing up, the only Parent in this household is myself a full time working single parent, so both my teens already help out a bit with household chores.

Teenagers should be helping out around the house, it is how they learn to do the jobs that need doing - dishes, floors and toilets don't clean themselves!!

[steve_t]

If they're getting over $400 a week in the hand, $150 for board is pretty sweet! Especially if your power bills are massive!!

[98tls]

Ok to clear one thing up, the only Parent in this household is myself a full time working single parent, so both my teens already help out a bit with household chores. A hundy sounds fair then.And good on ya fwiw.

[Indiana_Jones]

$125 and doing some house work sounds reasonable I reckon

Just to chip in and help really, and to help them get used to the real world

-Indy

[mynameis]

ok i would like to know who voted "none" on the poll and tell me why

could this be your son?

I voted none because parents share the responsibility of supporting and providing for their children whilst they are trying to transition into the "real" world and trying to get up on their own feet successfully.

Charging a teenager money to stay at their own home (somewhere they have lived for 18 odd years for free and called home) is a bit harsh and in no way instils any form of responsibility but could form a basis of resentment. It should come from them direct as a form of appreciation and they should wilfully contribute towards the household in whatever way they can.

Setting a fixed amount on a teenager isn't right.

The only thing in that teenagers mind will be why should I pay them $100 a week when I can go group flatting with my mates at $105 a week and get on the piss every day and party every weekend, something they won't be able to do at home.

Now I know what you're thinking right now. It's AND WHAT?

Well I believe in education and that a kid should go to University/Tech and further his/her studies and obtain some kind of qualification therefore increasing his/her chances of a better paying job and living at least a half decent lifestyle.

Dropping out of school, getting into ordinary full time employment at an early age, moving out of home when you're a teenager will most likely lead you to be very ordinary citizen of this country (Read, someone of the lower socio-economic, uneducated, struggling ordinary citizen)

And remember they may have a full time job and be classed as adults but are still kids who have a lot of learning and growing up to do with the GUIDANCE of their parents not their mates who know no better.

That's why kids should live at home till they have grown up a bit and at least gained some qualification/skill and their lives should be made easy whilst they are transitioning not made difficult.

I know his case is a little bit different but a lot applies.

(Bring on the KB attack because I've posted something totally different :))

[Sketchy_Racer]

Because I think that parents should support their kids by providing food and shelter, free of charge.

Why? In this country by the time you are age 15 you are considered responsible enough to drive a motor vehicle, and legally have a full time job.
I think it is only fair that once a person is old enough to start earning and the responsibilities of a job, then they are responsible enough to start paying their way. Obviously every situation is different and I would think if I saw that a teen was being smart with their money, saving for a worthwhile goal, then I would probably suggest charging less, however if the kid is just pissing it all away on booze and pointless crap, charge more. Support those that support themselves.


depends on the kid. if they are responsible then give em a break so they can save and pay for stuff later. If they still have some learning to do then charge them whatever and give half back at the end of the year. Its an incentive thing.

You are dead right about it varying with the kid, every single one is different and will react totally different to being told to pay board. Naturally, the reaction to being told to cough up will be largely affected by the kids up bringing. I think the charging money, and saving it on part of the teen is great, as it gives the teen something to use when they move out and need such things like a bed, and essentials.


I voted none because parents share the responsibility of supporting and providing for their children whilst they are trying to transition into the "real" world and trying to get up on their own feet successfully.

Why should a teen get a free ride? Where is the incentive to take some responsibility for themselves? If every teen never had to put any effort into supporting themselves, then they would all walk around thinking everyone else should be licking the shit off there arse, because they don't have to anything.


Charging a teenager money to stay at their own home (somewhere they have lived for 18 odd years for free and called home) is a bit harsh and in no way instils any form of responsibility but could form a basis of resentment. It should come from them direct as a form of appreciation and they should wilfully contribute towards the household in whatever way they can.

So what is the teen going to do when they move out and have to pay bills? Get resentful to a land lord when they don't feel like paying and tell them to go fuck themselves? I'm a teen and I know from my own nature that if given the opportunity to NOT pay bills, then I wouldn't. Why would you, I could spend that money going racing. I'm lucky to be in a situation where I am supported for the fact that i'm trying to go racing, but even then, bills are still there and have to be paid.



Setting a fixed amount on a teenager isn't right.

The only thing in that teenagers mind will be why should I pay them $100 a week when I can go group flatting with my mates at $110 a week and get on the piss every day and party every weekend, something they won't be able to do at home.

Rather short sighted though isn't it, and I put money on the fact that the teen will come crawling back once they have to stick it in the real world. I work with a person that sounds like an exact product of what you are suggesting;

22 years old, he gets on the piss every night, party all weekend, comes to work (if you lucky he does) on monday hung over as fuck. He lives at home with mummy and daddy who still wipe his arse in every manner. What hope has HE got? he's earning minimum wage, and I doubt that's going to improve any time soon. What's he going to do the day mum and dad get fucked off and give him the boot...


Now I know what you're thinking right now. It's AND WHAT?

Well I believe in education and that a kid should go to University/Tech and further his/her studies and obtain some kind of qualification therefore increasing his/her chances of a better paying job and living at least a half decent lifestyle.


Support those who support themselves. If the teen isn't putting any effort into getting where they want to get in life, why invest in them?


Dropping out of school, getting into ordinary full time employment at an early age, moving out of home when you're a teenager will most likely lead you to be very ordinary citizen of this country (Read, someone of the lower socio-economic, uneducated, struggling ordinary citizen)


I dropped out of school early, but I knew what I wanted, I wanted to do a apprenticeship in something related to the engineering trade. I'm extreemly happy with my choice to leave early, as school wasn't working, and it would have just been 2 extra years of my life wasted away. Also, I moved out of home when I was just over 18. But for good reason, moving out was going to help me (both in travel to work) but also improve my relationship with my mother by creating a bit of space, and letting her accept that i'm old enough to make my own decisions.


And remember they may have a full time job and be classed as adults but are still kids who have a lot of learning and growing up to do with the GUIDANCE of their parents not their mates who know no better.

That's why kids should live at home till they have grown up a bit and at least gain some qualification and their lives should be made easy whilst they are transitioning not difficult.

I know his case is a little bit different but a lot applies.

I know many 15yo's that far exceed the maturity and responsibility levels of a scarily large amount of 20+ yo's.. Age is something that is purely relative to each person, as different people mature at different rates, some have had a up bringing with responsibilities put on them, so the responsibilities of the real world seem more manageable. However, someone who's had everything on a platter is going the struggle aren't they? It's simple logic.

However, I digress. I think that every situation is unique and needs to be tailored to suit needs. I would say to chuck a blanket over the average teen, a 15-30% cut of wages is a reasonable amount for board.


(Bring on the KB attack because I've posted something totally different :))

Nothing wrong with being different! The world would be one hell of a boring place if we were all the same.

Cheers,

-Glen

[hmurphy]

Hmmm very interesting. I am 19 and still live at home. Never paid for anything at home. I have a job for 7 hours a week but when I want something I ask my meemy to buy it for me. I wanted an R6 so I kicked my Hyosung over and told mum to buy me a new one. Within a week I had a shiney new 1999 R6! Of course on $90 a week I can hardly fund my daily Rimutaka run so meem had to pay for some gas too. 95 Octane, not that shitty 91 crap. I don't go cheap.

If there isn't any food at home I give meem a call and tell her to stop draggin' the chain and bring some food home. And none of those boring cerials either, I am talkin' 'bout Nutri-Grain. Also I use a lot of internet on very important youtube videos. I must watch my daily 3 hours of sport bike videos. If the internet bandwidth runs out for the month I tell meem she has to pay for it because I don't want to.

Sometimes when I am in the local bike shops I give meem a call and tell her I need new leathers. Alpinestars. New gloves too because meem doesn't want her baby getting sore hands.

I have often thought "should I contribute around here? Maybe do some lawn mowing or do some dishes, anything to help out?". My usual conclusion; "Meem will do it" "Meem will pay for it".

Why should I stop? I have it eeeeeaaaasssssyyy!!! 5 day weekends, everything paid for, anything I want. Who would NOT want this? Honestly. Am I right? Am I right?

[matoc]

Hmmm very interesting. I am 19 and still live at home. Never paid for anything at home. I have a job for 7 hours a week but when I want something I ask my meemy to buy it for me. I wanted an R6 so I kicked my Hyosung over and told mum to buy me a new one. Within a week I had a shiney new 1999 R6! Of course on $90 a week I can hardly fund my daily Rimutaka run so meem had to pay for some gas too. 95 Octane, not that shitty 91 crap. I don't go cheap.

If there isn't any food at home I give meem a call and tell her to stop draggin' the chain and bring some food home. And none of those boring cerials either, I am talkin' 'bout Nutri-Grain. Also I use a lot of internet on very important youtube videos. I must watch my daily 3 hours of sport bike videos. If the internet bandwidth runs out for the month I tell meem she has to pay for it because I don't want to.

Sometimes when I am in the local bike shops I give meem a call and tell her I need new leathers. Alpinestars. New gloves too because meem doesn't want her baby getting sore hands.

I have often thought "should I contribute around here? Maybe do some lawn mowing or do some dishes, anything to help out?". My usual conclusion; "Meem will do it" "Meem will pay for it".

Why should I stop? I have it eeeeeaaaasssssyyy!!! 5 day weekends, everything paid for, anything I want. Who would NOT want this? Honestly. Am I right? Am I right?

I hate you so very, very much.

[ManDownUnder]

1/3 of their pay is board

[wickle]

30% of net income


he's a Brain surgeon right?
One third board, one third saving, one third to live on, was the rule for our family

[Kiwi Graham]

Mmm, got a 21 yr old part time at Uni but able to work 5 days a week, working where he could work for each of those 5 days. Each day he works he earns approx $170, we ask for $35 for every day he works pro-rata. For this he gets everything but his own personel toiletries and he takes care of clothing etc and does his own washing (using our stuff).

I think its important if your kids are starting to make their way in life they get an understanding that living costs money but soften that blow with a little subsidy.

[sels1]

One third board, one third saving, one third to live on, was the rule for our family

I grew up on sometimething similar, and tried to instill this principle in my own kids.

[Quasi]

One third board, one third saving, one third to live on, was the rule for our family

I left home as soon as I started working sp was straight into full responsibility but the 1/3 rule is pretty appropriate plus they would also need to take some responsibility for household chores. It can't be a set amount as it is going to depend on what they are earning.

[Maha]

1985 I was living in Taupo and paying $80 per week full board, which was three meals a day and everything done for me ie: washing/ironing etc. Cooked breakfast every morning and while I was eating breakfast, Francis would be making my lunch (filled rolls/cake) Tea was always there for me when I got home, she would go to the RSA on thursdays so my tea would be cooked, on a plate and covered, sitting on pot of simmering water on the stove. She would even make me a milo at night, with warm milk...:msn-wink:

But that was full board, so just 'living at home board'??... $120.

[The Baron]

I had three boys all on different incomes. Our rule was 20% of take home pay. Hope this helps.

[Mully]

Miss Mully had her brother living with her before we "hooked up" - she was charging him 25% of his take home - regardless how many hours he worked (part-time), it was always 25%. He's now pretty responsible with money for a 22 year old.


Because I think that parents should support their kids by providing food and shelter, free of charge.

Which I think they should do while the kid is studying. I disagree with you when the kids start working.

My sister is doing this, and to be honest, I'm worried about her kids when they leave home - they have NO idea how money works and that there is a commitment (this is a 16 and a 17 year old). They'll be fucked when they eventually leave home, because they haven't had to be responsible and make that commitment to a regular payment.


Here I am showing my age (again!) but when I started work I was earning $18.50 a week and paid $10 board. I barely had enough money left to buy bus tickets and panty hose

That's all you had to purchase? The mind boggles!!

[Mully]

Dropping out of school, getting into ordinary full time employment at an early age, moving out of home when you're a teenager will most likely lead you to be very ordinary citizen of this country (Read, someone of the lower socio-economic, uneducated, struggling ordinary citizen)


I tried to bling you for this post, but you must be a Mully bling whore, and I have to spread it around more.

I actually disagree with this bit though - I left school at 16 and started working fulltime (at the same time, I ended up flatting too) because I knew formal education at that time wasn't right for me. Subsequently I now earn more than a couple of beneficiaries that have been in the news lately (conbined) and went back to Uni part-time as an adult to do more training.

TBH, I think this situation depends on the kid and their attitude.

Sorry for dragging this off-topic.

[gatch]

When I started my apprenticeship my rent was over 1/3 my net wage. So him being your kid I guess you could go a little easier ? 1/4 net wage would be fair I reckon.

[MSTRS]

I think a % of net income is the way to go. BUT with a $ minimum - say $50 - cos even with no income, living costs continue. This way, they get to appreciate the need to save a bit every week to have a buffer in case of lost income.

[Slyer]

I was paying $105 a week plus internet till I left home nearly a year ago.
Now I'm paying $105 a week plus internet plus electrickery plus food plus blah blah blah.

[oldrider]

Ok so one of my teens is now working full time, I am after some Opinions On how much Board a teenager starting an entry level Job should be expected to pay. I have an amount in mind, but am interested in others views. For the purpose of the attached Poll all amounts would be weekly.

Make them pay the full going rate, say nothing and save it in a special account and give it back to them later when they need it!

How else do you teach them the value of their earning power and their earnings!

If you make sacrifices for them in their early years, they will be tempted to waste it and piss it up against the wall with their mates.

They will not thank you for it and may not even notice that you made a sacrifice for them!

The adage: "Hungry fighters fight best" springs to mind!

Let them be hungry, they will love you for it in the end and he/she who loves last, loves longest! :shifty: True! :yes: Honestly, really true! :niceone:

[hmurphy]

Obviously was joking before. I don't necessarily believe that money is the only form of board. I don't pay board at home but my parents expect me to do a fair amount of household chores. I don't pay my way with money as of yet, but I pay my way with time. Running my younger brothers around, mowing lawns, doing dishes, cleaning etc etc anything to help out as much as I can! I appreciate how lucky I am that my parents don't ask for any money so I make sure I help out as much as I can around the place, occasionallly buying $30 or so of food where needed.

[oldrider]

Obviously was joking before. I don't necessarily believe that money is the only form of board. I don't pay board at home but my parents expect me to do a fair amount of household chores. I don't pay my way with money as of yet, but I pay my way with time. Running my younger brothers around, mowing lawns, doing dishes, cleaning etc etc anything to help out as much as I can! I appreciate how lucky I am that my parents don't ask for any money so I make sure I help out as much as I can around the place, occasionallly buying $30 or so of food where needed.

Bloody goody goody two shoes, you have just pissed all over my argument!

Well, apart from hmurphy, my argument still stands! :lol:

[tri boy]

Fagan had a heap of kids.
Put them to good use too.
(fast light hands and feet)

[_gazza_]

I pay $80 a week. Which is a token gesture really. Im stoked. Every time i get a pay rise it goes up $10 a week. Fair enough i reckon but it still probably doesnt cover half of what i use.

[Howie]

Thanks for the replies all of you. It is interesting to see the different points of view, and the reasons behind them, I am begining to think that a % of income might be the best way to go, which is a change from a fixed amount which I had in mind.

[Indiana_Jones]

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-Indy

[P38]

Charge them 50% more than market rates or they may never leave home.

Oh and stop feeding them.

They'll quickly find some mates to flat with.

P38's success rate using this method.

3 down 1 to go :msn-wink:

[Indiana_Jones]

P38's success rate using this method.

3 down 1 to go :msn-wink:

I have a rifle you can borrow incase it doesn't work out lol

-Indy

[p.dath]

You don't say where you live, but I'd take around 1/3 of their income (people typically spend 1/3 to 1/2 of their income on rent/mortage).

[1wheel riot]

50 to 100 because when they are at home you can keep an eye on them. its not a cheep room then they will just move out and you wount know what they are geting in to.:2guns:

[JimO]

well it cost me 10 grand this year to pay for my sons sport $6500 for a trip to Ireland to play in the milk Cup and $3500 to pay for their rep Hockey tournaments plus i supply them with a free car and free fuel each and a free bike , they are 17 yo twins and in 6th form so another year to go and they will be at Uni, If they were working i wouldnt charge them board but they would have to pay for their owns ports, trips, boots, sticks etc

[Oakie]

I haven't read the thread but I reckon a % of nett pay is the way to go.
20% off the top of my head seems about right.

[ynot slow]

About 15-20%,my first pay was $75.00 in the bank,board $10.00,spending $15.00,saved $50.00.Saved $2500 in a year.Then as each wage increase in apprenticeship it was revued,with the go flatting if you think it is cheaper.

[BiK3RChiK]

Yep, a % of income. My parents never charged us board but Dad used to say, put something on the mantle for mum.... It never happened much:no: It didn't teach us anything about saving either! We did have to do stuff around home though and out on the farm. Paying for teenagers food bill alone is mamouth! So, I reckon they can pitch in and pay up. Going flatting will be so much easier when they do decide to move out...

[Pedrostt500]

This is just my sugestion, Tell him / her that board is set at $200 per week, they can reduce the amount they pay each week buy reducing your house hold work load, ie Vacuming twice a week $10 reduction, washing all of own clothes $ 10 reduction, washing dishes each night $2 per night, making own lunch, $2 per day, cooking family meals, $ 5 per day, etc.
If they have a lazy week for any reason charge them the full $ 200, they will soon learn a few leassons that will set them up for flatting and life beyond, if they move home for any reason, make the same rules apply.

And remember Uncle Pedro says the other name for child is SLAVE.

[Argyle]

Stop charging for weeks, learn your kids to calculate a budget on a month always. Makes them hold on to money much better.

[Brian d marge]

ok i would like to know who voted "none" on the poll and tell me why

could this be your son?

me
but there was no button for charge em 1/4 assuming 4 in the family , and then give em the money back when they need the deposit for a house

over here, Most if not all younng kids live at home , they pay a token rent , but for example my sister in law in in a high paid job , pays F all for rent , but she saves a lot ,,,for the future

some young women I know atthe age of 40 STILL live at home ( though they look after folks and work ) save HEAPS of money


So yeah IF you can cover it , charge em a fair do , but give the money back for a house or something substantial like a Bike ,......

Stephen

[Conquiztador]

I am a single dad with 4 boys:

While my oldest was at High School any money he erned from his work was his to keep. We had an agreement: As long as he was studying and passed the required levels I would provide for him. Everything he needed. If he wanted additional things that was not really needed (mobile, Xbox, motorbike etc) he had two options: Work and buy them, or wait for bthdays and Xmas and he might be lucky. As soon as the work would start to affect his school study he would have to finish the work.

If he, after turning 16 decided (and managed to convince me) to finish work and work only, I would charge a board. But if he completed his High School, got all the required credits on his Level 3 and a Uni Entrance, then I would as reward allow him 6 months for no board until I started charging $50/week.

He is not stupid: He quickly made the maths and (even if we had a few serious arguments and there was some repucassions: Xbox went away for a while...) decided for the completion of his High School. From his group of 12 friends he was the only who got L3 and a Uni Entrance. I would like to think that this arrangement had something to do with it. (I know that me being really hard on him and pushing was one of the reasons he now has the Uni Entrance)

After the 6 months of no board he had not made any advancement in the work. He worked 2 nights a week at the bar. Now I was to start charging board. He was not happy re the $50 as it would have left him with $50/week in hand.

We live 10-15 min away from the towns and he was using his bike to go to work or to mates. The $50 he would have left was petrol money. So he had to do some thinking.

The outcome was that he found more hours work in Napier. His mum lives there, so he moved in with her in a flatmate situation where normal flatmate arrangements are in place (well... flatting with your mum has benefits: he hardly cooks anything apart from frozen pizzas, she does the cleaning and the washing...) and he pays 1/2 of rent, power, phone and food costs.

I am happy how all worked out and will do exactley the same for my 3 younger ones even if by then I am hoping to be living with someone again.

If/when the day comes that he decides on Uni or a technical institute he will need to save up for it or take a loan. But I will support him financially to whatever level I can manage. I did always intend to be there for my boys. It is what I think parents are for.