Welcome back.
With school back in session this week, it’s time to address the perennial issue of school lunch, a hot topic in my household yesterday afternoon.
If your children are offered a free school lunch that they’ll eat without pushback or complaint, congratulations. You’ve won the lottery.
But older students, sometimes in middle school and often in high school, can leave campus and buy lunch out in the wild, which raises several questions: Who pays for what, how much and why?
My newly minted high schooler and I discussed this yesterday — we decided that for several lunches, he’ll give me sandwich and other ideas, I’ll buy the ingredients and he’ll make them.
But he also wants to go out for lunch on some days, which becomes more complicated. Here in New York City, we’re spoiled for choice. But as my teen texted me earlier this summer (in a bid for a higher allowance): “One bahn mi + tiny Thai ice tea = 20.00.”
He’s going to do some more research on local food options, and then we’ll rediscuss and come up with a weekly budget, separate from his allowance. But the situation has already presented itself as a way to empower him to balance needs and wants, with more thoughtful decision-making.
To the parents and guardians of high schoolers or former high schoolers, what did you decide to do and why? Where else have you found ways to incorporate money lessons into your daily lives? We’d love to hear from you: yourmoney_newsletter@nytimes.com.
Below, you’ll find a selection of money-related stories from across The Times. Have a great week.
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