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AIBU?

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How "fair" do things have to be between siblings?

34 replies

fresherprincess · 23/05/2024 19:25

Something a friend said is bugging me a bit.
Both DD and DS are at private school. DD stayed there to do her A levels, because the learning style suits her and they are the only school locally to offer one of the A levels she's about to sit. DS is pretty certain he's going to leave after GCSEs and go to the excellent local college.
My friend suggested that DS might feel aggrieved that we've spent so much more money on DD (about £45k) and suggested we put it aside for him to use later (for instance as a house deposit.)
I've always believed that unless there's dreadful inequality you just pay what's needed for each child. DS might do medicine- he'll need supporting for a lot longer at university but I wouldn't expect this to annoy DD.

Am I setting myself up for strife in later years? DS knows he could go privately for A levels and is just choosing not to...

OP posts:
fresherprincess · 23/05/2024 19:34

TeenDivided · 23/05/2024 19:31

I think it is fine.

If you give him £45k your DD might complain she would rather have had the money had you given her the choice ....

We spend on education (tutoring) and medical according to need. If one ends up with more spent on them, then so be it.

Good point about the other things.... I've just thought of the thousands spent on DS's cricket and rugby since age 5- bats, kit, tours, club memberships, coaching, more tours.... DD did long distance running which was very economical!

OP posts:
Rekall · 23/05/2024 19:32

Fairness doesn’t mean everyone gets the exact same thing, that would be the opposite of fair!

elevens24 · 23/05/2024 19:32

If you're giving the same opportunities/options in terms of schooling to both and they're making their own decision then it's fair. If your dd at private has access to school trips/ extra curricular that your ds doesn't at college then I'd make sure that was evened out.

TeenDivided · 23/05/2024 19:31

I think it is fine.

If you give him £45k your DD might complain she would rather have had the money had you given her the choice ....

We spend on education (tutoring) and medical according to need. If one ends up with more spent on them, then so be it.

YellowHairband · 23/05/2024 19:31

The fairness here isn't the financial aspect, it's providing the option and support for both to do what they choose, which it sounds like is what you're doing.

fresherprincess · 23/05/2024 19:31

IncognitoUsername · 23/05/2024 19:29

Why don’t you speak to DS and see how he feels?

I don't want to put the idea in his head if it isn't already there...

OP posts:
IncognitoUsername · 23/05/2024 19:29

Why don’t you speak to DS and see how he feels?

Moglet4 · 23/05/2024 19:29

I think you’re fine. You’ve given him the choice and like you say, if your daughter does a 3 year course then you’ll probably end up funding him more later down the line. It’s fair.

Mindblownawaybyfog · 23/05/2024 19:29

Your friend needs to mind her own business... Perfectly fine to not 'spend' the same to be fair....