[Twinmum+2]

We have a family holiday planned early next year to the Gold Coast, involving flights, accommodation and theme park entry costs. DH has decided that DD2 (15 years old, who has a job and earns between $50 - $100 a week depending on her shifts) should contribute to the holiday (around $300 altogether) by paying for her part of the flights and theme park entry. His reasoning is that she is the one who will get the most enjoyment out of the theme parks and rides etc, and that she 'has nothing else to spend her money on anyway', and as the money is a little bit tight for the trip that it would be good to have some help with it.

Is this something you would expect your teenage working children to help out with? My first thought was that being a family holiday it should be paid for by us, the parents, and if she wanted extra spending money etc she could fund that herself. I can understand his point of view, I guess, I'm just not convinced it's the right thing to do. Any ideas?

[MakeLoveNotBacon]

At 15, I don't think it's fair to pay for flights and entry costs. Spending money sure, but not the basics.

[peewee]

I think it's a bit mean actually. What if she says no? Is she not allowed to come?

[Ange]

There is no way I'd make one of my children pay if they weren't all required to do so, regardless of age.
If it's a family holiday that was planned by us, I wouldn't expect any of my children to HAVE to pay their way to attend

If she wants to save extra spending money so she can do a few extras, then great! She shouldn't have to pay for things that everyone else gets supplied IMO.

[Bomber girl]

I agree with Madame Catty. If you can't afford the holiday with all of your children stay home or go somewhere else

[~Nodnol~]

The only thing I would expect her to contribute is spending money above what you have allocated for all the children. I don't think it's fair to make her pay accommodation etc, no.

[Holidayromp]

I never had to pay for family holidays when I was working but they were not the theme park style holiday either.
Also if your 15yo is to be expected to pay ther way expect them also to decline to go so do you have alternative plans for someone to keep an eye on them - I don't think a 15yo should be left to their own devices at home.
Have you discussed this with your 15yo? I would be very po if my parent's suddenly decided that I should have to pay my way when I had not been warned of this fact.

[ChunkyChook]

First thought is no, she shouldn't have to pay but I guess it depends. What does she do with the money she earns each week?

I am all for helping them if they are helping themselves. If she is saving some money and really having a go at doing the right thing then you should pay. If she is the opposite then she should contribute.

[~~HappyMummy~~]

I think it's a bit mean. She should use her money as spending money - she's only 15.

[Mianta]

Spending money, yes, she should contribute to that. Flights and accomodation, no. That is a bit mean. Sorry op.