Budgeting 101 For Prodigal Sons
I can’t wait to move out. Mum and dad drive me crazy.
What kids don’t know is what parents do as soon as they arrive home, after leaving their now independent son in his new apartment. In fact, he nudged them out to prepare for the after-party with his friends.
The feeling is mutual. Parents also uncork their supermarket champagne. What a relief! The YouTube star, I’m an adult mom is gone. They are also celebrating his first lesson, Budgeting 101.
He used to resent Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. He took for granted meat, fish or chicken on the table. Budgeting 101 kicks in. He stops at the food mart rotisserie and stares at that juicy chicken, reminiscent of mom’s handiwork.
Budgeting 101 makes food shopping pure torture. He walks aimlessly in grocery store aisles with an empty basket, with only macaroni n’ cheese boxes as tenants. He didn’t know food is so expensive.
What’s up with soap to wash dishes? He has never washed a plate in his life. That’s why he is clueless where to find the aisle with dishwasher detergent.
Parents monitor the Budget 101 progress through phone calls, from a son who prefers texting to calling. ‘I just wanted to hear your voices dad.’
Parents raise their hands and do what their son calls High 5. They wait for the finale. Which is? He comes home with a bulging sports bag, to do his laundry in the basement.
Budgeting 101. Mission accomplished.
By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.
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