exactly, misdee! they have only one childhood, and even 16 is still so young, although legal age.
what is so wrong with waiting and then they can help decide for themselves?
it is a hard line to walk, as a parent, but you have to be the adult, you have to see it from the perspective and know when it's too much for that age and pull them away from that, no matter how much they hate it and you can use the money.
because they're your child, not your financial vehicle.