I am 14, living in central London and the rent is really high but my family is in a LOT of debt and I want to do my part and help them.

24 comments

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  3. Mainly by helping your parents get any support they need.

    They could visit Citizens Advice to check they’re getting any benefits they’re entitled to for example.

  4. You can’t and you shouldn’t have to.

    Keep your head down, do well at school, and follow a financially rewarding career path.

  5. Convince them to leave London and live in a more affordable area?

    You could go to your local pub/restaurant/cafe and ask if they have any jobs for you e.g washing dishes.

    Maybe you could become the housemaid of your home e.g do all the laundry, cleaning & cook some meals so that your parents can work extra hours as they don’t have to worry about house chores.

  6. My god I can’t imagine how sad I’d be reading this from my son. Use this as a learning experience on why you need to work at school and properly graft. Be the best. Try harder and get a career that pays so in 20 years your kid isn’t writing this

  7. At 14 I used to wash peoples cars and clean old ladies houses but you shouldn’t have to work. London is really unaffordable at the moment, it’s easier said then done to say ‘move out of London’ however. Just stay on the right path, go to school get a good set of qualifications and work experience behind you.

  8. I’m sorry your family are struggling. It’s not your job to financially support your family, and I think you should have a chat with your parents about how you’re feeling. I’m sure they will not want you to have that pressure.

    If you’d like some spending money (which will help somewhat because it means you can buy your own treats etc) then perhaps look for a Saturday job. But that money should be for you to spend on yourself or save for something you’d like.

    The biggest thing you can do is focus on your education and career as others have said. Have a plan, and work out how you’re going to set yourself up financially. Once you’re an adult and working you can help your parents out a little more. There are so many schemes to help fund Uni, or apprenticeships if you would rather go straight into work after school.

    Also, in a couple of years when you start college/sixth form make sure you check out any bursaries or grants you’re entitled to

  9. I’m really sorry you’re going through this, I bet its tough.

    When moneys tight, it can seem like it’s the only thing that matters in the world, and it’s horrible to see your parents struggle.

    You could get a Saturday job, but unfortunately it’s probably not going to make a dent in what your family owes. I’d only suggest that if it doesn’t interfere with school (education is 100% your way of getting out of poverty in the long term) and if it doesn’t impact your social life. You deserve to be happy, and have a childhood.

    My advice to help your family would simply be to let them know you’re grateful. Let the people who provide for you know you appreciate what they can give, even if it’s not much. Do little things around the house if you can, or make them a brew when they come home from work – just little things that show you care. This is priceless compared to the kney you might earn from a Saturday job.

    You’re being really compassionate by trying to share this burden, but it’s not your burden to bear. I reckon your parents wouldn’t want you stressing over this, it’s a burden they’re happy to carry themselves. I know it doesn’t make any sense, but that’s what parents do, they make sacrifices for their children.

    Also, I’m not sure if it’s something that’s ever crossed your mind, but don’t get involved with drugs. A quick profit isn’t worth the long term consequences, and people who get an education and get careers end up more successful anyway.

  10. You can’t, and if you’re approached by anyone offering you any kind of opportunity to then walk away and tell someone you trust. Focus on getting your head down in school and put yourself in a position to support your family in future when it’s your responsibility

  11. Go door-to-door and ask if they need their grass cut, windows washed, hedges trimmed etc.

  12. Immediately there’s not much you can do but long term you could have a bigger impact. As others have said, you focus should be reaching your potential in your education, this will be the single biggest factor in how much you will be able to help in the future.

  13. You don’t. Adults’ debts are not yours. The best thing you can do is work hard at school, and also if things are really tight, talk to the staff at school who can ensure your family can get food etc.

    Any free opportunity at school, take advantage of it even if you don’t see the point. Also enjoy the things that are free in central London, people-watching, the big museums, etc. Good to have a change of scene and perspective.

    If you want a Saturday/shift job for some spending money, go for it, but don’t get roped in to working more than 10 hours a week. And really really don’t get tempted to get involved in anything illegal.

    If you’re worried your family will become homeless, again talk to the pastoral care people at your school. The council has to provide housing for families with kids – it may be a cramped B&B but you won’t be on the streets.

  15. You are a child, as such you should not have any responsibility to help family in financial way. Your focus right now is school and allowing yourself to your childhood. I know you are a teen but you should have to grow up too soon.

    The difficulty in getting a job, is your age, as there is legal on how teens are when they can work part time and your employer has to get agree from local authority to allow to work and there are a lot of restrictions.

    If you are determined to help, I’m sure that there are things around the home you do.

    Please get Ben to yourselves the chance to have last bit of childhood

  16. Persuade them to move out of the centre of the one of the most expensive cities on earth.

  17. Bless you, you’re so sweet for wanting to help your family. Unfortunately there isn’t a lot you can do at your age work wise as rules are very strict around employment whilst under 16.

    However, maybe speak to a teacher to see if there is anyway they can help with things like uniforms. School equipment, trips etc. This will help your family a lot.

    Also your family could Google using words like ‘discretionary funds/grants’ add your area name and you may find some churches (or other places of worship), provide local area grants etc for families who are struggling with bills.

    Other than that trying your best at school, and giving your parents a hug when they look like they need it is plenty.

  19. You could look to do an apprenticeship after secondary, but until you turn 16 and get your national insurance number it’s not going to be easy to get a job

  21. Whilst you absolutely shouldn’t have to be facing these kind of worries at your age, that doesn’t change the reality of your situation and none of these answers address that. I came from very humble beginnings so I can empathise with your situation.

    You’ll probably find that your age is against you to some extent, there are [laws around employing children](https://www.gov.uk/child-employment) that any business will have to abide by. You might have some luck with local independent businesses in your community. Perhaps you could wash dishes at a cafe/restaurant, work on the counter at a newsagents/chip shop or get a job in a hair salon as a general dogsbody. What skills can you bring, aside from being polite and efficient? Are you able to help the business with its social media accounts perhaps?

  24. Right my mind would say you shouldn’t they have to look after you!

    I guess you might get promises from others if your from the City too huh Ignore that What do you want to do!? Your young still learning use your teachers and outside help if you need it….Just don’t throw yourself in that hole Lad!

    And you do what you can mate sadly! 👍🏻

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