Dear Jyothi:
My parents are mean to me. I am supposed to go on a graduation trip from high school with my friends. But my parents are saying they can’t afford to let me go. They won’t let me get a job because they said it will affect my education and sports. I told them that they are letting me down. They say that we should save the money for college. My father says he’s worried about his job because there have cutbacks at work. My father is a regular guy in IT. He makes a decent salary. I think that they are having second thoughts about giving me the money. The trip costs about $1750. What do you think?
— Left at home
Dear Friend:
This is indeed a difficult situation. If your parents are saying that they can’t afford this expense, then, maybe they can’t. The job market is bad. The economy is weak. Your parents may have second thoughts, because of your father’s job situation. I know that $1750 doesn’t seem like much to you, but is it is quite a bit to a lot people. In addition, you would probably need quite of bit of spending money and even new clothes. Your parents may truthfully not want you to go and are happy that they have the economy as an excuse. However, they are going to support you through college. So they may really not want to waste their savings for this trip. Explain to your friends that you are sorry that you can’t go. Plan some fun things after graduation that is inexpensive. You can always go to the beaches or theme parks or the zoos or museums. I’m sure that your parents do feel bad that they cannot let you go. Look at it from their point of view. Let them know that you have accepted their decision and that you love them. Part of growing up and becoming mature is to realize that you can’t have everything that you want, just because you want it.
— Jyothi
