How Will Our Kids Make It In Today’s Economy
Posted: Monday, May 26, 2008
by Susan Thom
When I was growing up in the 70's, the biggest goal I had was to get a good job, my own apartment, furniture, credit, and a decent car. I was able to pay my 300 dollars a month, and afford the gas for my car, food to eat, and clothes to wear. I was totally independent of my parents, and I felt a sense of pride at my accomplishments. I worked hard at my job, and I reaped the rewards. I could afford the insurance and upkeep of my car, and always had money to run out and grab a bite to eat.
My thirties and forties were spent raising three beautiful children. I had nothing but the highest hopes for them. The World was changing, and everything was going up in price. I thought about it from time to time, but I was busy running a household and all that encompassed, and I guess I just hoped for the best. Rent is no longer 300 dollars a month, but closer to 6 or 800. Food is more expensive, clothes are outrageous, car insurance is unaffordable, car maintenance and the price of gas can put a young adult right into debt, and then there are the cell phone and internet costs.
My young adults are doing the best they can, and seem to be moving backwards. One step forward, three steps back. No matter how hard they work, their pay doesn't cover their expenses. They are young adults trying to live in an older adult's world, where people are more established and can handle the restraints of their debts. So, what is a mother to think or do? Prayer always comes first, and then the Faith that backs up that prayer.
I feel as if they've been thrown into the Lion's den. They have to sink or swim, and that can be scary for all, of any age. Yes, a mother has to let go, and hope that all the basics she has tried to cover over the years settle in to her children, and keep them on the right path. I can't change the price of rent, gas, food or clothes. I can't put a limit on inflation. I can't buy them a new car or bring them groceries. I can only pray for their safety and well being.
They are disheartened by the freedom they thought they so dearly wanted. Yes, they are on their own, but at what cost? In their 20's, they are worried about the same things I am. How do I pay the electric? How do I buy food on 3 dollars? How will I pay for car insurance? When will the price of gas stabilize, or better yet, come down in price? How do I shell out 600 for a tiny little apartment?
And the minimum wage is a joke, as we all know. Who could live on 5 something an hour? Nothing is addressed in Government, how would they understand what the average person must go through to try and live? They've never had to worry about putting food on their table or affording everything they need or desire. They are no help to us, or our children. We're all on our own. For 20 years, I raised my kids to live in a world they could handle. They can't handle this World.
This makes them feel like failures, and yet, they work hard, and do their best. They know their best isn't good enough. Where do you go from not being good enough? They are behind the 8 ball before they even begin. They don't want to admit defeat, so they keep plugging away, trying to catch up to just being even. And there is no end in sight. These are my babies that I fed and bathed and clothed and taught all my principles and beliefs to, and I have no recourse but to trust that God will take care of them.
God can do what no Government is capable of doing. He can protect these precious beings He brought into my life. They are in His hands, for there are no other hands that care besides mine, and my hands are tied.
This Article has been viewed 617 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Hi Sue, so true. My son will be 18 in a few months and he has these grand dreams that he will be able to move out on his own...and then he sees how expensive things are--he might be at home a tad longer than he would like, at least through the college years. We just came home from a weekend away,. It cost us $120.00 to fill the gas tank and it took 3! For all we spent on gas, you'd a thought we went to new york. NO- 5 little hours and 385 miles away. It's getting so tough, a family can't even aford to go camping these days! Sigh. But I would still live in the US above anywhere else and we are still a spoiled country. But it does hurt. Thanks for sharing a well written article. Love and hugs, TeresaPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi t, it's scary when gas costs more than a whole trip. and it's scary when you know your kids are having a hard time. thanks for reading and responding. always appreciated, best regards, suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
I hear you Susan, your frustration is felt throughout the country. The politicians better get their act together and began doing something constructive. They all claim God is on their side, they go to church for the cameras.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi david, it's hard enough for we adults, it's even harder for our young kids. now we either have them at war or not able to care for themselves. it's a sad situation. thanks for reading and commenting, best regards, suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
True to every word what you say Susan. Yes kids do keep plugging away and all for what. It is a sad cruel world in which we live - and is there any reason why when we have a government on the take all the time and giving back nothing in return.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi kacy, thanks for reading and responding. it's very scary sending our kids out into the wold these days. it's hard enough when you are established, but twice as hard when you are first starting out. best regards, suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Yep, Sue, this is an issue that haunts every single one of us -- No longer does a middle class exist; it's either the rich or the poor and those of us who once fell into the mid class category are, i guess poor and.. tired. I feel for your kids and all the kids out there - it's changed so much from the '70s when you and I grew up in -- so what's a "starter house" for young couples these days? Half a mil, maybe? for homes that are not worth it (!) -- many adults are now taking the "summer jobs" once eyed by the college kids because of the times and then I see many politicians not even affected... what's with that? Keep the faith, baby, it can't get worse... or can it... Good article!Please log in to respond to this comment.hi judi, thanks for reading and responding. i never knew being a parent could be so fearful. i was naieve and didn't think about when they'd have to fend for themselves. i almost wish they were back in diapers-not! best regards, suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Good article, Sue. My only comfort is to realize it's okay for them to undergo a bit of hardship. One of my kids is at home longer than expected -- I was reading online this week that retreat back to the nest is getting more common. God bless our fledglings as they fly!Please log in to respond to this comment.hi J. Louise, thanks for reading and commenting. i just don't know how long they can hold out. the nest may be the place to be for a while. best regards, suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.