Today, my oldest turns 18. I'm both happy and sad. I've tried to do my best as a dad, but I certainly don't feel that way today. She has decided she is moving out this weekend.
She is 18, and thus her right. She feels our rules are oppressive - clean her room, do her laundry, and help with the house (wash dishes, take out trash, etc). She's had a curfew because we have a city ordinance for minors, which she loses at 18. I've tried to explain that she will have these exact same responsibilities at her own place, plus the expenses of rent. So, it almost feels like I'm divorcing her today - titling the car in her name, her own insurance, and removing my name off parent/ child account. Later, I'll release the cell phone # to her and she can have her own account.
I don't know how she is going to afford this. She leaves with a paid for car, $2K my wife and I gave her in a savings account, and another $2500 she just received as an inheritance from her godmother. We won't release her 529 plan though. She is moving in with a female coworker and the coworker's boyfriend. She says they plan to split bills 3 ways. However, she's not signing a lease. I tend to plan for the worst and hope for the best. I'm sure they are doing this so the landlord won't raise the rent. But, she doesn't have any protections of tenancy and she doesn't know them very well. I'm concerned these people are using her for her money.
I've shared my concerns with her, but there's no convincing her. I really didn't want her to have to work as hard as I did. Sorry for the long post. Please include her in your prayers if possible.
I know, world problems right....... Have a good day gentlemen
I did get an email back saying that my email had been forwarded to the clerk of court, who makes the decision. So I'm hoping to hear something soon. So keep your fingers crossed!
