Parents Funded Son’s College Dream Early, But His Wanderlust Changed Their Plans Forever.
When the Original Poster (OP) and their spouse handed their 18-year-old son his college fund, they hoped he’d make wise choices. Two years of travel later, the now penniless son hopes to attend college, causing a rift between OP and their spouse about footing the new bill.
The Generous Gift
OP and their spouse decide to hand over their son’s college fund early when he turns 18, giving him the freedom to use it as he sees fit. It’s a significant amount, carefully saved over the years, meant to give their son a head start in his adult life.
The Alluring Call of Adventure
Instead of heading straight to college, OP’s son is drawn to traveling the world. He sees it as an opportunity to explore, grow, and truly find himself. With the funds at his disposal, the world is his oyster.
Two Years of Wanderlust
Over the next two years, OP’s son embarks on a journey across continents, immersing himself in different cultures and experiences. Each destination offers a new perspective, a new lesson, and a chance to dive deep into self-discovery.
The Return and a New Desire
Now 20 years old, the son returns home with a renewed purpose to attend college after years of seeing the world. A formal education beckons, and he approaches his parents with the request for more funds.
The Unsettling Question
OP, curious and a bit apprehensive, asks about the college fund they had handed over. What had happened to that substantial sum? The son hesitates before sharing his truth: The fund, originally meant for education, was depleted.
Funds Exhausted
The son confesses that the entirety of the college fund was spent on his travels. Every penny went towards flights, accommodations, experiences, and the myriad expenses that come with exploring the world.
A Father’s Perspective
OP stands firm in their decision, reminding the son of his choices. If he truly wants to attend college, he will need to find a job and fund his own education. It’s a matter of responsibility and facing the consequences of one’s decisions.
A Mother’s Concern
OP’s wife, on the other hand, is torn. She understands OP’s perspective but can’t help but worry about their son’s future. She believes in second chances and contemplates assisting him once more.
The Clash of Perspectives
The household becomes a battleground of opinions. OP insists that they made the right decision initially and the son should stand by his choices. His wife, however, leans towards compassion and understanding.
The Deluge of Opinions
Some friends and family sympathize with OP’s predicament, while others advocate for a softer approach. The son’s choices, OP’s steadfastness, and the mother’s compassion are all dissected and debated.
The Son’s Plea
Feeling the tension at home, the son tries to make his parents understand his perspective. He speaks of the invaluable experiences he gained during his travels and how they shaped him. He assures them of his determination to succeed in college.
A Mother’s Heart
Torn between her husband’s stance and her son’s plea, the mother grapples with her emotions. She wants to believe in her son to give him another chance. But she also recognizes the importance of responsibility.
The Decision Looms
Time is running out. College deadlines approach and a decision must be made soon so the son knows how to proceed. The family must come together, one way or another, to determine the son’s future.
The Verdict
After much contemplation, discussion, and soul-searching, a decision is reached. The father tells his son he will need a job to support himself while financing his education with student loans.
Moving Onward
The decision is only the beginning. The family must now navigate the repercussions, the emotions, and the challenges that lie ahead. Through it all, they remain united, bound by love and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Was The Father’s Behavior Appropriate?
OP posts his story online for feedback and judgment from the internet community. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.
Forum Responds
One reader said, “Did you expect an 18-year-old to make good choices with that money? Of course, he wasted it!”
Another Commenter Thinks
Another responder wrote, “Did no one bring this up with him over the two years he spent the money? Did he not mention it? Seems like a communication gap.”
A Third View on The Story
A different person stated, “What did you do before giving him the money to prepare him for money management and the HUGE responsibility you just dumped on him?”
A Final Perspective on the Matter
Another reader commented, “It sounds like this is more an issue of the parents failing to parent a kid who still needed more guidance at 18. They used his age to decide when their duty as parents was over. It sounds to me like they failed him.”
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