AIBU to think our 18 year olds should work instead of wasting away weekends?

I thought you were going to say they were sat around all weekend not going anywhere or doing anything, but they're not they're being social. Personally I think it's good for teenagers to work a bit but you've already said to them you think their work is too intense. I think this is nonsense personally, I did 4 A levels plus an extra language GCSE in my second A level year, then went to Durham. I worked throughout, but you're the one who said their education is too intense to work, you can't now begrudge them using their weekend as they choose. I used to mainly work in bars and restaurants and go clubbing and to house parties after and then sleep until lunchtime then do it all again, in between studying, so I don't think you'd like that either.

My children both got jobs whilst at school and then University. If they wanted money that’s what they had to do. Their choice. Having a part time job doesn’t mean working all weekend.

I would be happy with this if it was a one-off and not every weekend as exams loom. If it was every weekend and no study being done I’d be questioning it but equally at 18 they should be prepared for taking responsibility for their actions and any resulting consequences.

If only it was that easy for them to get jobs!

I have never got involved in my adult childrens lives. They can use their spare time to do what they want to do. Why does it affect you so much.

Well they need downtime and socialising time. Will they have time to do that in between study and other activities and a part time job?

I generally think teens should have part time jobs, and it’s still a differentiator when we recruit grads at work, but if you decided they don’t have time for it and they haven’t given up other activities, then they still don’t have time.

Stop financing them. Soon motivates them if they want a social life.

So long as they don’t have any homework that they should be doing, I’d let them get on with it. I’d happily spend all weekend watching sport if I could!

It sounds like a one off? You're saying their school work is intense and in general they probably don't have time for regular part time work. I don't think that should mean they never get a weekend off to chill?

Let them enjoy a chilled weekend before what sounds like a busy couple of months.

My thoughts with part time work for kids in full time education was, if they want more than a bit of pocket money then they will need to work for it but if they're happy to be skint and not work that's their choice. It's actually not that easy to get a part time job either. Both of mine struggled, it took one a year and the other gave up and did odd jobs for friends and family after applying for around 80 jobs and getting only 2 interviews.

Have you spent the weekend doing things related to your job?