Friends taking advantage (Vent)

[diannescruffy]

DS17 is the type of kid who would do anything to help someone out but in saying this I always tell him don't let people take advantage of your kindness. His mates always bring their cars around when they have problems and DS will not hesitate to fix it if he can. One mate brought his car over and asked if DS could put in stereo and sub which he did and now I think he has put in about 5 others for different mates. Three weeks ago his friends mum had an accident, she was quoted $2,500 to get it fixed, she rang him and asked if she could bring the car over for him to look at it and to see if he could fix it for her. He told her he could if she got the parts, she was so happy and told him she would pay him $100. DS was over the moon, he was going to put the money towards his 18th birthday party. He worked on her car for 6hrs as she needed the car the following day to drive to Melbourne for a job interview and was worried she'd get pulled over as it wasn't roadworthy. She was going to pay him the following day, never came, didn't call. A few days later DS rang his friend to ask about the money and he said "mum already spent it, she will pay you next week". Next week comes around, same story. It is now 3 wks since he did the job and she is supposed to come on Wednesday, not holding my breath. DS has learnt a great lesson in this whole situation, it's just disappointing though.

Regards,
Dianne

[Floweryfields]

I'm not a big fan of fighting your kids battles for them, but in this case, I think I would make an exception. I would ring her, myself and very politely but clearly explain just how much an hour she would have to pay for a mechanic to do this job. $100 is a pittence, your son gave up his free time for her for nothing!
If DS decides to do any 'mates rates' jobs in future, I'd be asking for cash up front prior to any work being done.

[misty]

I'm not a big fan of fighting your kids battles for them, but in this case, I think I would make an exception. I would ring her, myself and very politely but clearly explain just how much an hour she would have to pay for a mechanic to do this job. $100 is a pittence, your son gave up his free time for her for nothing!
If DS decides to do any 'mates rates' jobs in future, I'd be asking for cash up front prior to any work being done.

Yep, this. That is so not on. She is an ADULT. Not one of his friends. And she made an agreement with him. Not cool.

[~*familyof3*~]

I completely agree with Ausgirl. What a selfish person!!! She really should be ashamed!

[diannescruffy]

Trust me, I've offered to ring her and to go to her house but DS wants to wait until Wednesday. If she doesn't come I will be going to her house on Thursday, Misty, you are spot on, she is an adult, just not acting like one.

Regards,
Dianne

[Floweryfields]

Yep, I'd give her till Wednesday and that would be it!

[~*familyof3*~]

Has he been paid yet?

[feeb]

That is so not on and unfair. He gave up hours for a measly $100 that she has still not paid him! She should be an adult and pay it with interest! A garage would charge her a lot more

[diannescruffy]

He has only been paid $50, I've spoken to her twice now and she says she'll pay him on payday (Wednesday). This has happened twice and he still hasn't seen his other $50.

Regards,
Dianne

[black_rose]

That's so sad as he won't want to help others now

[little_O]

This makes me so angry!

With do people think its ok to take advantage of a. A child and b. someone's kindness.