| I worked two jobs the past year. One in the summer and one during the school year. I just spent my money to go on vacation with my friends and have been feeling good about my finances and being independent almost like an adult. I go file my taxes and I owe the IRS a lot of money because I didn’t get taxed during my summer job. I’m very scared to tell my mom. Especially since I just paid this money to go on vacation with my friends and she doesn’t know that I did that. She can’t find out, but I also have to pay and I don’t know how I’m going to do that now with no money.
CONSIDER THIS:
- Worrying about adult problems can make you feel anxious and confused. You are smart for being responsible and trying to find a solution to your problems even though they stress you out at your age.
- You can try completely telling your mom the truth and how you feel. You can’t be blamed if you honestly didn’t have bad intentions. Good mothers love their children unconditionally and have an ethical obligation to forgive them for their mistakes.
- Actions speak louder than words. You can prove to your mom and anyone who wants to question your ethical standards that you are genuine by volunteering. You might even gain meaning and a purpose. Some ideas to volunteer include writing letters to children with disabilities, helping out at your local animal shelter or joining an organization to clean up the environment. Donate money to a charity whose mission you agree with. Adopt a pet from an animal shelter to save them from a miserable life and have a companion.
- You can try being more spiritual. Spirituality can help you think about your actions. Prayer, yoga and meditation can help relieve anxiety and give your life more meaning. Attend church services to become more involved if you’d like. Head to the Teen Central website and click the Learn tab then Spirituality to read about it.
- Be positive by repeating positive affirmations to yourself. This might help calm your mind so you can find a genuine solution to the problem. On the Teen Central website, the Tools tab has several downloadable resources including the Positive Reminder Resource.
- You can try earning the money you owe the IRS by using creative ideas. Sell the stuff you no longer want, get an extra job in your free time writing or doing other tasks online, or walk your neighbor’s dogs for extra income. Remember to maintain ethical standards so no one can make you look bad.
HELP YOURSELF:
- How can you make sure to be honest with your mom next time so you don’t hurt her feelings?
- In what ways can being more ethical every day improve your relationships and quality of life?
- In what ways is your relationship with your mom more important than being dishonest?
- What can you learn from the situation and how can you commit to doing better next time?
- How can living by higher ethical standards help you earn trust in your relationships?
- In what ways is honesty a part of being responsible?
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