Category: the Rant Board
I'm putting this up here on the Rant Board because this absolutely infuriates me!
Today, I was listening to a podcast and heard that some bitch from Canada filed a lawsuit suing her five estranged adult offspring for parental support. She wanted $750 a month. It was not clear if that amount was per child or a combined payment.
Regardless, the reporter and sportscaster went on to say they didn't have a problem with this. Children should support their parents because their parents supported them. They said they could understand if people who have bad childhoods due to their parents didn't pay, but for the majority of people, they should support their parents in their old age.
What!? I don't think so.
First of all, if you choose to have children and raise them, then it is your responsibility to care for them. Parents are obligated to their children, not vice versa, because parents choose to have children, children don't choose to have parents.
Secondly, if your children are estranged from you, it's obvious there was some sort of falling out there. All five of these people no longer have contact with their mother, so no they should not pay to care for her.
Thirdly, who's to determine whose childhood was bad or good? Also, do the majority of children really have good childhoods?
I have a better idea. Why don't people save up for their fucking retirement funds instead of buying houses they actually can't afford and splurging on amenities like they're going out of style. Also, if you find one day that you can no longer afford where you live, hey guess what, it's time to down size.
Another thing about this that really set me off was that when the radio station took calls, someone agreeing with the reporter and sportscaster called in and to help make his point that children should support their parents, he asked them how much they spend on their children annually. They responded that they didn't even want to think about it because it would make them sad.
Why have kids then!? If the amount of money you spend on those things is so depressing, why have them at all? As a parent, I would think that you would be happy, no matter the amount, to spend money on the happiness and well-being of your child.
I have the belief that if someone cannot afford to do something, then they shouldn't do it unless it's a must, such as a medical procedure.
amen! I couldn't agree more! I also believe that children should not have to take care of their parents in their old age, because, like you said, parents choose to have children; not the other way around. Now, if you want to help your parents out once you leave the house, if you want to take care of them and meet their needs as they become unable to do it themselves, then hats off to you. You're a very generous person. But I absolutely do not think it should be an obligation. Once you're legal, and you've ventured out on your own, you should no longer have to be tied to your parents, in any way.
I agree.
I, for one, help my kids when they need it. But they shouldn't expect it, and I shouldn't feel guilty if I don't.
My folks helpped me out a couple of times and it really came in handy, but it didn't happen as often as I hoped it would, and I paid back every bit because it was the right thing to do.
Bob
very well said, to all. it's beyond refreshing to see others feel as I do.
Speaking as a parent, I'd be happier knowing the daughter was looking well after her own children if she had any, rather than spend the same money on me. People will sue for anything now I guess.
That mother must have money someplace anyway, as it takes a lot of money to buy legal advice. Nothing against people in the legal profession: it's just expensive, and for some pretty good reasons much of the time.
I think if you have to sue your own children then it says a lot about the relationship in the first place...
Many people feel they wish to take care of their parents and do. Many people feel that they are unable to do so, be that financially or emotionally. Likewise people often support their adult children and others feel that their adult children are adults and by definition should be able to look after themselves.
I don't believe that children should be responsible for their parents any more than I think that parents should have an obligation to leave something behind for their adult children upon their death.