Dad Offers "Spoiled" Kids Chance To Work For Him And Earn Spending Money, Gets Accused Of Forcing His Choices
This dad’s plan to teach responsibility didn’t land the way he hoped within the family.
A dad thought he was doing his kids a favor, offering them “spoiled” kids a chance to work for him and earn spending money. Simple, right? Except the moment his plan hit the dinner table, it sparked a full-on argument instead of gratitude. The problem is his wife was not on board, saying he was forcing them to learn his way instead of reaching an agreement with her first.
What should have been a paid opportunity turned into a debate about control, age, and whether chores even count as “work” when it comes from Dad’s rules.
Let’s dig into the details
Reddit.comOP offered to pay his kids to work for him, but his wife if not happy with the idea. She feels he is forcing them to learn his line of work
Reddit.comOP gave more context on the matter
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OP says he offered the payment and the chance to learn his trade, but his wife immediately pushed back that it felt like he was dictating their choices instead of partnering with her.
Parental Guidance Insights
Practical Approaches to Teaching Responsibility
For instance, a child interested in art might start by organizing art supplies, while another might assist in basic engineering projects. This tailored approach not only makes the learning process enjoyable but also sets a solid foundation for more complex responsibilities in the future.
He took some time to speak with his daughter, and she’s excited about the offer
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OP’s motive for this is to give his kids valuable skills that can help them in the future
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We gathered some important comments from the Reddit community
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Then OP added details about matching tasks to interests, like having one kid organize supplies or help with basic engineering, which is when the comments started splitting hard.
This drama echoes the eight-figure estate split, where her share was only 1% after one conversation.
Instead, she advocates for a collaborative approach where parents and children discuss potential projects together. This method fosters a sense of ownership and enthusiasm, making children more likely to engage willingly and learn effectively.
“YTA, because you've tried to impose this unilaterally rather than coming to an agreement with your wife.”
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“YTA. They're too young to be working in a professional setting.”
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“NTA you're not forcing them to do anything, you've asked them and are even paying them.”
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Instead of framing these tasks as chores, parents might discuss the benefits of learning new skills in a fun and engaging way. This perspective helps children feel empowered, making them more receptive to taking on responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed or coerced.
“No. NTA at all. You shouldn’t force your kids to do what you want them to? That’s just called parenting.”
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“In general I approve of the concept of teaching the value of money young.”
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“YTA, teach them life basics like doing chores around the house.”
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Even with arguments like “you’re paying them” and “that’s just called parenting,” the wife’s complaint kept hanging over everything, especially the part about reaching a real agreement.
Regular family meetings can be an effective tool for discussing roles and responsibilities.
These meetings provide a platform for children to voice their opinions and concerns, creating a collaborative family environment. By allowing children to participate in discussions, parents can cultivate a sense of inclusivity that encourages greater buy-in for the tasks assigned to them.
Everyone in this story had a real point. The dad wanted to give his kids a head start and teach them how effort connects to reward. His wife wanted to make sure the kids didn’t feel boxed into his interests or pushed too early toward work.
The conversation only blew up because both sides cared about the kids’ future in different ways. Once they slowed down and listened, the tension eased, and the path forward made more sense.
What do you think about how they handled it?
This scenario illustrates the ongoing tension between varying parenting philosophies.
The father's initiative to offer his children a chance to work for their spending money highlights a crucial aspect of parenting: the balance between guidance and autonomy. By introducing a structured opportunity for his kids to engage in work that aligns with their interests, he is fostering an environment where responsibility can flourish. This approach not only encourages the boys to apply their problem-solving skills but also allows their sister to explore her creative inclinations in a supportive setting.
Rather than imposing demands, the father's method exemplifies a growth mindset, transforming the concept of work into an avenue for personal development. This thoughtful strategy empowers his children to view their responsibilities as opportunities for growth, ultimately equipping them with valuable life skills.
Now OP is stuck wondering if he was teaching responsibility, or just picking a fight with his own house.
For another inheritance blowup, read what happened when a Redditor’s parents left them millions, but their disowned sister got almost nothing: “It would be disrespectful to our parents if I were to share it”.
