Parents Don’t Have to Pay for Kid’s College

I originally wrote this article on April 8, 2015.

I have heard often of parents who work while raising their children mainly to pay for their children’s college.  I don’t understand giving up time with ones child, and especially the children’s time with parent and at home, while they are growing up (when they are most dependent on their parent) in order to save money for their college tuition for when they are a young adult.

When a person is eighteen-years-old, they generally have a lot of energy and zest for life. They can be working to pay for school and going to school at the same time. (I did that for years–until I had my first kid.)

And really, doesn’t ones adult choices take on a whole new meaning when one is footing the bill? For example, college might be a learning experience rather than a big party, so choose wisely. Maybe paying $40,000 a year doesn’t seem so great.

Plus, I am a believer of being out in the world, job shadowing, finding oneself as an adult, before choosing a degree. And maybe they will decide college isn’t for them, or they can climb ladders faster without it.

Sure, if I have extra money when my kids are grown, I will gladly help them out. I will likely be giving by letting them live with me as long as they want and being an emotional support–both areas to which I would love to be given as an adult, especially as a parent.

Some will say that paying for college is giving their kid a head-start. I don’t believe life is ever a race. And I value personal growth, well-being, and enjoyable relationships more than anything else–areas which tremendously help with living life no matter what, and which enable a person to make things happen for themselves.

Warmly,