Stepson/MIL issues

Kristen - posted on 08/01/2010

Fafsa will help him and Job Corps doesn't sound bad either. Or he could join an apprenticeship/trade program for a union. When I was 18, my dad worked at the community college so I went for free. I also failed 75% of my classes. Now that I am on my own, I have a 3.8 GPA. Go figure. Maybe let him live with you rent free, but make him pay his own tuition. Sure you will figure out something that works for everyone!

Mackenzie - posted on 07/19/2010

I would make him prove how much he really wants it! Make him apply for all the scholarships and grants he qualifies for.....if he is willing to put the work and effort into writing all the essays and doing the steps required I would offer to help with what you can for the first year...and if he applies himself that first year at college I would continue to help but if he flunks classes and doesn't do his work then I would cut him off until he gets his studies on the right track

Misty - posted on 07/16/2010

Ummm, NO!! If he flunked every grade in school is he going to pass college that you pay for??

Tricia - posted on 07/05/2010

If mom is on unemployment or assistance from the government and he lives with her, he qualifies for free college. Mom needs to fill out the fafsa paperwork and that can be done online or at your local college. They will help you. It is based on your income and certain states have additional assistance for them. Hope this little bit of info helps. Good Luck. I personally wouldn't agree to give him a free ride! Kids these days aren't held accountable for their mistakes and a lot of them are also ungrateful! The only way for kids to learn responsibility and to appreciate what they have is to earn it!

Lynette - posted on 07/04/2010

I think you should show him love & do this for him. This could mark a change in his life. Recieving money for college may make all the difference. I think it is about love. he may not respect you, but whether he's your bio-son or not shouldn't be an issue. Do what you would do if it were your bio-child. I think you should make it conditional tho. make an agreement that you have access to his grades & that if he doesnt stay above a certain gpa than you'll stop paying.
if paying for his college isnt something you think is the right thing to do, then dont do it. you dont have to explain yourself to anyone, just be the parent that you would want to have. i would want to have someone who is unconditionally loving, but we all just do the best we can.
know that paying for his college probably wont make him respect you, but that doesnt matter.

Ginger - posted on 06/29/2010

We have our kids take out their own loans... and then help with the gap.

Nicole - posted on 06/27/2010

id tell him the free ride is over..the years of parents footing the bill for college fully is pretty much done if he wants college tell him to work partime if he sticks with it then maybe you can help out..as for the mil she needs to mind her business and hubby needs to stand up to mommy..tell the step son that life isnt free bout time he learned it..

Casandra - posted on 06/26/2010

I agree with Erin. Job Corps sounds like the best solution. If my own children failed every grade I would do the same.

Erin - posted on 06/25/2010

Sounds familiar! I would check out the local Job Corps- that's what we did with my SS. It has done wonders for his attitude, and he's getting a college education for free!
http://www.jobcorps.gov/Home.aspx
He had gotten so bad, that he told me he wanted me to just get it over with and die (I had cancer at the time) so that he wouldn't have to look at me anymore. Now- he sends me things (books, because I love to read) and calls me every day- ending each call with "I love you, Mom!"