My parents

[Morutea]

Hello all,

It is my first post

I want your thoughts on this:
Do you feel that because your parents may have supported you when you were younger, that you "owe" it to them to support them now?


(Pay the bills they run up etc, just because they did it for you when you were younger and unable to work)


Thanks.

[shawnp]

I think yes, to a certain extent and also on a situational basis.

My parents raised me, but I am the one who took it from there. Nobody gave me anything of significance when I was going through under and grad school and they also didn't fully support my educational decisions. Now that they see all of the moves I made were the right ones they have accepted everything, albeit are still a little irked that I don't live within 50mi.

Personally, I do right by my parents by treating them well and sharing my good fortunes when I can. However, as a result of them not supporting me in school, Uncle Sam had to extend many loans, so I gotta take care of my business first.

[borschtBomber[ss]]

You do have an obligation IMO, but it depends on the situation. Are they retired? Are they able to work but don't want to? If your parents are being careless with their finances (spending beyond their means) than no way, but if its something beyond their control than yes I do think you have a responsibility to help them out.

[Tyler]

I argree it depends on the situation. I think you "owe" it to them if they really need it, however if they are well off after retirement then there is no need.

I think of it as if I were 60 odd years old, I wouldn't expect my kids to look after me.

[Girleen]

I don’t think you owe it to them but if you do take care of them it says a lot about you. Some people do take care of their parents out of obligation but they also abuse their parents in the process, so if you’re going to be like that then just let someone else take care of them.

Me personally when my parents get old, I’ll be there to take them in when they are ready to move in with me. They’ve given me so much, in emotional support and financial support. I owe my life to my mom.

[vee_ess]

None of my family (immediate or extended) has ever been in a nursing home or ever will be in one. I don't believe it's about who owe's who, but that I feel family should be there for one another; isn't that the point of being family in a conceptual sense? We don't keep track of some internal economy; capitalism is great for society, but not family.