16-year-old boy quits job after parents spent 3 years giving money to his 5, 7, 8, and 10-year-old siblings: 'My parents are bad with money and they spoil my younger siblings'

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Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
May 13, 2025 5:00 PM EDT

16 years old is way too young to know how to independently handle your finances, and your parents are supposed to be the ones guiding you towards that understanding. Some do this by giving their children an allowance. That way, the kids can gain some understanding of saving money. If they want a gaming system, they can calculate how many months they'll have to save for before getting one. Or they can choose to buy toys or food or spend the money on gas for their car. Regardless of how they spend it, they'll learn a little bit more about money matters than they knew before. 

For this teen, money issues are getting in the way of his relationship with his parents. They keep spoiling his younger siblings using his money! The kid is fed up, and you can read below all of the kind advice that commenters had for this young person as he learns some hard truths about family. 

Next, read about the high schooler who got petty revenge on an entitled classmate who tried to exclude them from snack day: 'The 12 donuts I've been bringing in… doesn't count?'

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  • 01
    I (16m) started doing things to make money when I was 13. Babysitting, mowing lawns, running errands for neighbors, and stuff like that. Then I was able to help out at a friends parents store for a bit of extra cash. Then I was finally able to get a real part time job.
    via u/WinterLow740
  • 02
    The thing is the money wasn't ever really mine. My parents are bad with money and they like to spoil my younger siblings (10f, 8m, 7m and 5f). So their money gets spent on them and then they freak because they don't have money for Christmas or their birthdays and they have put a lot of pressure on me to give it to them. Sometimes they stole it and when I confided in some other adults about it I was told that being under 18 meant there
    via u/WinterLow740
  • 03
    was nothing I could do except trying to talk it out. I did try. But talking to my parents is so frustrating and they didn't care about logic or how calm I am or how well I make my point. I rehearsed before talking to them and everything. They argued back each time that my siblings are younger and they don't deserve to be hurt because of my teenage attitude or my entitlement because I think I should be treated the same as
    via u/WinterLow740
  • 04
    them when I'm way older. For three years running they were taking money from me to spend on my siblings. Not just for their birthdays or Christmas but other times too. For no other reason than just because. I argued back a few times in frustration too but you know that never goes anywhere and a couple of weeks ago I quit my job and I told my parents I won't work again until I'm out of their house.
    via u/WinterLow740
  • 05
    They grounded me until yesterday and we fought about it yesterday. I'll be grounded in another week if I don't get my job back or get another one. They told me it was a selfish and stupid thing to do. They told me I should understand life isn't always equal and I'm expecting too much from them. AITA?
    via u/WinterLow740
  • 06
    Cheezburger Image 10504884224
    via Aaron Piang on Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 07
    the24hourlayover Tell them that life isn't equal and that they are expecting too much from you. They are failing at adulting and parenting. NTA
    via u/the24hourlayover
  • 08
    ImAnNPCsoWhat NTA. Stand your ground. Study, learn a language, make new friends, delve into your hobbies. You're a kid so act like one. No need to work especially since you get no benefits from doing SO.
    via u/ImAnNPCsoWhat
  • 09
    VegetableBusin... Your parents are finacially and physically responsible for you until you are 18. Do not give them any of your money. This only allows them to be more irresponsible since you will become their new ATM. Do not use a bank to keep your money as your parents are allowed to access it. Use
    via u/VegetableBusiness897
  • 10
    the bank to cash your checks. Keep your money in cash, and squirrel it away. I kept mine in an Altoids tin in a hole I made in the underside of my box spring. Then I moved it to a loose floor board in our garden. shed. Your going to need some running money at 18.....
    via u/VegetableBusiness897
  • 11
    VANS
    via Aaron Piang on Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 12
    Lizardgirl25 NTA countries that a child can't have their own personal banking account are f ed up on so many levels and yes I mean the USA too. Because the adult co-signer can just go in and just empty the kids money anytime they feel like it.
    via u/Lizardgirl25
  • 13

    Here are a bunch of pieces of great advice, starting with just leaving the house as much as possible

    Spirited-Hall-28... Be home at little as possible. My suggestions: Join every club you're interested at school Attend night classes, study groups to help you get a scholarship As mentioned above, an unpaid internship would be great if you can find one.
    via u/Spirited-Hall-2805
  • 14
    Are you interested in trades? See if counseling/therapy is available for you through school. This will help you thrive once you're on your own. See if there are any financial institutions that will allow you to open your own account. If not right now, maybe next year.
    via u/Spirited-Hall-2805
  • 15
    Really focus on thriving once you're out of that house. Get excited about a trade/college and stick to that path. Unfortunately, it seems like a waste of time and effort to communicate with your parents at this point. Keep your head down as attitude neutral until you're out of there.
    via u/Spirited-Hall-2805

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