Sharing Wealth: A Fair Approach to Supporting Adult Kids

A parent is in a bit of a pickle. They have three adult kids, all in their 20s, with different goals and needs. The oldest has a steady job, the youngest just graduated and is finding their way, and the middle one is heading to law school. The parent wants to support them all fairly, especially since they have the means to do so. The parent is considering giving money to the other two kids whenever they pay for the middle child's law school tuition. They wonder if this is a good idea and if they should keep it a secret from the law student. First off, it's great that this parent is thinking about fairness. But is giving money the best way to go about it? Maybe not. Instead, why not involve the other kids in something more meaningful? Like donating to a cause they care about in their names. This way, everyone feels included, and the world gets a little better. Money can be a tricky topic in families. Being open about it is usually the best policy. So, if the parent decides to give money to the other kids, they should probably tell the law student. That way, there are no hard feelings. But here's a thought: maybe the parent could talk to all three kids together. Figure out what each of them needs and wants. Maybe the oldest doesn't need money right now, but they'd love help with something else. Maybe the youngest could use some guidance more than cash. And maybe the law student would appreciate knowing their parent is thinking of everyone. At the end of the day, it's not about the money. It's about making sure each kid feels supported in their own way.