16-year-old quits job to stop paying for 10, 8, 7, and 5-year-old siblings: '[My parents] told me I should understand life isn't always equal'

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Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Aug 15, 2025 11:00 AM EDT

Do you remember what you did with your first paycheck? It probably wasn't much money — but it would be enough to buy some new clothes or treat your friends to a meal. After a childhood spent asking your parents to buy you treats, waiting for birthdays and holidays, or saving up your allowance, you feel like the king of the world when you get that first paycheck all to yourself. 

Well, for most kids, that first paycheck is all theirs. Other kids have a lot of weight on their shoulders, and they couldn't possibly spend that money without feeling guilty about it. They might be supporting their family members and helping to put food on the table to feed their siblings. This 16-year-old knows all about that: he's been "babysitting, mowing lawns, [and] running errands for neighbors," for 3 years already! But he doesn't have a lot to show for it, because his parents keep spending his money on his 2 brothers and 2 sisters. 

Eldest siblings often get saddled with responsibilities beyond their years. Chances are, if you're the oldest sibling, you've had to babysit your brothers and sisters, cook them dinner or prep their after-school snacks, and drive them to basketball practice or dance recitals. It can be a huge burden for a teen to shoulder, and not all of them are brave enough to push back on Mom and Dad's demands. 

Up next, have a laugh at the retail workers who shared what their strangest customers did: "He released a box of spiders into the store... He's not allowed in any Starbucks in this town anymore."

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  • 01
    Young man playing acoustic guitar while being hugged by little boy while they sit on yellow sofa
    via Getty Images For Unsplash+

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

  • 02
    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
  • 03
    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
  • 04
    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
  • 05
    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
  • 06
    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
  • 07
    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
  • 08
    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
  • 09
    Child in white tee shirt and sneakers sits on concrete next to young man in red shirt with white towel around his neck looking at each other
    via Getty Images For Unsplash+

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

  • 10
    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
  • 11
    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
  • 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
    5 children standing in sunlight, one blond child laughing wearing a black and red shirt, one blond child smiling wearing a yellow jacket, one young girl in overalls running towards group, one girl in a black and white shirt looking away, one child in a plaid shirt
    via Getty Images For Unsplash+

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

  • 14
    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
  • 15
    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
  • 16
    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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parents of teens Kids-Teens family drama child mother childhood teenagers raising teens family daughter son children Father
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