Should I Give My Son More Money After He Blew His Allowance on Video Games?

This dad thought he was running a simple monthly money experiment, then his 12-year-old turned it into a full-blown video game budget disaster. Two months in a row, the $50 allowance vanished fast, and now the kid is staring at an empty wallet with a not-so-empty attitude.

Here’s the mess: last month the son blew his allowance on games and ended up with nothing, so dad tried to teach consequences and told him to save. This month, he did it again, then asked for more money because he “needed it for school supplies.” Dad refused, got fed up with the careless spending, and reminded him that money has rules. Meanwhile, mom is saying dad should’ve been more lenient since school supplies are essential.

The real tension is whether withholding extra cash teaches responsibility or accidentally turns a basic need into a punishment.

Original Post

So I'm (38M) and my son (12M) recently received his monthly allowance of $50. I always teach him the importance of budgeting and saving.

Last month, he spent all his money on video games and was left with nothing by the end. I tried to explain to him the consequences and encouraged him to save this time.

However, this month he did the same thing again, buying more games and ending up broke. He then asked me for more money, saying he needed it for school supplies.

I was upset that he didn't listen and blown all his cash on games. I refused to give him any extra money, reminding him of his careless spending.

He got angry and called me unfair. I stood my ground, telling him he needs to learn from his mistakes.

My wife thinks I should have been more lenient, as school supplies are essential.

But I feel like giving in would enable his irresponsible behavior. AITA?

The Dilemma of Financial Education

This father's situation highlights a common parenting conundrum: how to balance teaching financial responsibility and ensuring a child's basic needs are met. By giving his son a $50 allowance, he likely intended to instill budgeting skills, but the immediate fallout of the son blowing that allowance on video games reveals a deeper issue. Many parents would empathize with his frustration, especially when children's desires for instant gratification clash with lessons on thriftiness.

What's particularly interesting is the mixed reactions in the online community. Some argue that a child should face the consequences of their choices, while others feel that withholding money for school supplies could hinder his education. The heart of the debate lies in whether the father’s stance could inadvertently teach his son that financial support only comes without strings attached.

When the son blew the first $50 on video games and still ended up broke, dad probably felt like the lesson was already on the table.

Comment from u/Penguin_Lover99

NTA. He needs to understand the value of money and consequences of impulsive spending. Tough love now will benefit him in the long run.

Comment from u/Ramen_Queen7

YTA. School supplies should be a priority. Maybe set up a system where he earns back what he spent on games through chores to teach responsibility.

Comment from u/Adventure_Seeker_42

INFO. Did your son know he needed money for school supplies beforehand, or did he genuinely run out due to unexpected expenses?

Comment from u/CoffeeCrazy123

NTA. Kids need to learn about money early. Stick to your guns, OP.

But the second month went exactly the same way, and his request for “school supplies” landed like a plot twist to dad.

Comment from u/PizzaFanatic_88

NTA. Teaching financial responsibility is crucial. Your son needs to grasp the concept of budgeting and consequences.

This is similar to a person refusing their brother’s third money request, questioning if they were enabling financial irresponsibility.

Comment from u/Bookworm_21

YTA. While it's important for kids to learn, helping him ensure he's prepared for school is part of parenting and sets a good example.

Comment from u/Hiking_Addict555

NTA. It's a tough lesson, but better learned now than when it's more critical. Stick to your principles, OP.

That’s when dad dug in and refused to hand over more money, even as mom argued the supplies part is non-negotiable.

Comment from u/Gaming_Guru123

NTA. Your son needs to understand priorities. Maybe suggest he earns extra money through chores to cover the school supplies.

Comment from u/TeaLover17

YTA. While the lesson is important, school supplies are necessary. Maybe find a middle ground to teach him about finances without compromising his education.

Comment from u/DoggoObsessed_44

NTA. Learning about finances early is crucial. Don't feel bad for teaching your son valuable life lessons.

Now the whole family is stuck arguing about whether the kid’s anger makes dad the villain, or just the first adult who didn’t pay for the mistake.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.

In this Reddit thread, the father grapples with a tightrope walk between responsibility and compassion. He’s not just denying his son money; he’s wrestling with the notion of what it means to support a child in a digital age where temptations are just a click away. The son’s decision to spend his entire $50 on video games raises questions about impulse control and the permanence of those choices.

Also, the father’s reluctance to give in after the allowance was spent speaks volumes about the complexities of modern parenting. He’s caught between wanting to teach a lesson and the instinct to provide for his child. Many readers likely relate to this struggle, as it encompasses broader themes of discipline, support, and the expectations we place on children in today’s consumer-driven society.

Final Thoughts

This story resonates because it taps into the universal experience of navigating the fine line between teaching responsibility and providing support. It also raises questions about how parents can effectively prepare their children for financial independence in a world filled with distractions. As this father weighs his options, it begs the question: how do you teach valuable lessons without jeopardizing your child’s immediate needs? What would you do in his situation?

What It Comes Down To

This father's decision to withhold extra money from his son after he spent his allowance on video games reflects a common struggle many parents face: balancing financial education with immediate needs. His refusal to provide additional funds, despite the son's legitimate need for school supplies, highlights a commitment to teaching responsibility, but it also risks overlooking the child’s educational needs. Meanwhile, the mother's perspective adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that empathy in parenting can sometimes be just as crucial as teaching tough lessons. The mixed opinions from the online community further illustrate the challenge of finding a middle ground in parenting approaches, especially in a world filled with instant gratification.

He might be teaching budgeting, but he’s also risking that school supplies become the next battleground.

Before you hand over more cash, read how one son questioned dad’s risky investment move in this AITA.