Gap year(s)

[Crankin]

And this is why we "made" our kids work. They didn't have to. But, we wanted to foster independence and financial responsibility, just like our parents did. Well, my parents. DH's parents never did anything to help him, even when they could. But, we also made it clear that school was their first job and no working more than 15 hrs. a week while in school. When I was a high school teacher in AZ, I saw too many kids working 30 hours a week to pay for their car and insurance.
I wouldn't call my kids' friends who didn't work in school air headed. They are all very successful and responsible. They caught up quickly. Some are still in grad school/professional school, most after working for a few years. My older son is pretty adamant about the fact that he has made more business/professional connections through networking with his HS acquaintances/friends than most he met in college.

[tulip]

This has me thinking that maybe I need a gap year now. It's never too late...thanks for starting this discussion!