Keeping gas in the tank is painful for a teen when it’s their money that’s being sucked dry.  But it’s also a very important life lesson.  Teens need to learn how to manage money before we send them out into the world.

So Nathan was thrilled when he came home yesterday with yet another opportunity to drive one of Ryan’s friends to school every day.  Besides Ryan, this is his fourth passenger.  Paying passenger. 

I told Nathan I would pay him the Ryan’s school bus fare if he drove Ryan to and from school each day.  That cost me $265.  Nathan was thrilled.

Then one of Nathan’s friends asked if he could be driven home from daily cross country practice.  He’d pay $5/week.  The same happened with one of Ryan’s friends who also needed a ride home and was also willing to pay $5/week.

So far I’m thinking Nathan’s ahead.  And he’s doing it without hestitation so I’m pretty sure he’s figured out he’s ahead.

But now it’s turning into a business.  Last week another one of Ryan’s friends asked if Nathan could pick him up on the way to school.  It’s a little out of Nathan’s way but for $25/month Nathan was willing to take a slight detour.  Then a friend of Ryan’s friend asked the same thing.  Since both of these boys is being picked up at the same place (they go to morning seminary) Nathan figured…what’s one more if he’s getting and additional $25/month.

I think the whole thing is great.  Nathan is a very safe driver.  We did ask that he talk with the parents to work out details and so that the parents have a chance to meet him.  He’s actually doing these parents a huge favor.  The school is 13 miles away.  That’s a lot of driving time.

And I know how Nathan thinks.  He has room for one more passenger to and from school.  That’s even more gas money.  I’m not much of a gambling gal, but I have bets that within a few weeks those seats will be filled.