Hey @littlecore, it's great you're in contact with his counsellor. Hopefully she can work with you on this issue as well. Do you think he could be trying to fit in or be popular by shouting his mates and having cool clothing? His reasons for wanting money are okay - but he has to earn it hey. I don't what area you're in, but some of the fast food outlets employ from age 14. Might be getting a job is something you could talk about with him? Do you think he'd be interested in having a part time job?
I was duped many times by my daughter promising 'she will', but only if she got now! Silly me - as soon as she got what she wanted there was no incentive for her to behave as she'd promised. I'd be interested to hear other parents thoughts, but I'd stick with your word.
I relate to that feeling of not wanting them to miss out, but he didn't keep up his end of the bargain, so ultimately it's been his choice not to go. The first time I stuck firm on something big like this I felt like a complete heel, but she earns her priveleges now, so it works to carry through. Remember that you gave him the choice to improve his behaviour and attend camp. It's okay to remind him of that, without getting into any back and forth. He may get angry or try to blame you, but stick firm and he will learn a really valuable lesson. I also learned that I needed to think about the consequences I set, and that they had to be something I could follow through with lol.
Lacking confidence in some of our own parenting skills is something I think many parents can relate to, me included! It shows what a loving mum you are to reach out for help.
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