This Redditor has been hustling since her early teens to make ends meet due to her parents' financial struggles. Things take a dramatic turn when her parents, after spending big on her sister's wedding, unexpectedly demand all the money she earned from age 14 to 18, claiming it's rightfully theirs.
With siblings chiming in, asserting her duty to support them, the OP stands her ground, refusing to shoulder the financial mess her parents created. Should the OP give money to her parents? Scroll down to read the entire story and share your thoughts with us in the comments.
The OP asks:
Source: gymnerd813
The OP began working at 14 to support herself financially as her parents' limited resources
Source: gymnerd813
Despite her parents' inability to fund college, she had earned enough through work and scholarships to independently finance her education
Source: gymnerd813
OP's mom abruptly texted to request a favor
Source: gymnerd813
OP was prepared for their request
Source: gymnerd813
Unexpectedly, the OP's parents demanded the entirety of the nearly $40,000 she earned from ages 14 to 18
Source: gymnerd813
The OP feels it's unfair to bear the burden of fixing the financial mess they created
Source: gymnerd813
The parents' financial mistakes are not her responsibility
Source: BeatMeating
Don't give money as it may be wasted
Source: justauser34
Parental financial care is a standard responsibility and not a debt to be repaid in adulthood
Source: sgdoherty
The expectation placed on the OP is unreasonable
Source: salemonadetea
Commenter criticizes parents who treat their children as a financial resource
Source: nonanonaye
Commenter advises the OP against giving any money
Source: CranchMcBasketball
Her parents don't have access to her financial accounts
Source: mindonthebrink
Commenter advises the OP not to give them any money
Source: RogueDIL
The parents' behavior is outrageous
Source: hedgeh0gburrow
Have you ever had your family argue over the money you earned? What do you think about parents asking their working teenager to pay them back for the money they made while still living at home? Share your thoughts and any similar stories you might have.