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Car for teen-help

Virgo85Nurse's picture

Currently we are just a few days out from my DS 16th birthday. Myself and his stepdad got him a car. (Nice used car from my brother in law who gave me a super deal on it) it's like new. However I know my ex and his family. I'm just waiting to hear the words from his mothers mouth says this is a gift from your mom and dad. Because he pays child support. She's done this before when I got her nephew (my husbands cousin) a nice very expensive wallet for his birthday. Made a cake and got a card. They all walked in that afternoon and put all their names on it like they helped! Please help me prepare for this situation.  I don't want anything to ruin this surprise I've been waiting patiently for! I've had the car now for 2 months and it's currently hidden at my brother in laws house and he still drives it when he comes over with my sister to keep the secret! Help help help!

Comments

Virgo85Nurse's picture

Son wanted a party with everyone. We aren't a huge family. Just close family and a few friends. It's at a restaurant. And I planned it. I told his dad what I wanted to do he just said ok. Didn't help plan, didn't help get the car, nothing. 

Survivingstephell's picture

You make the presentation of car a private special moment with just the three of you.  In your excitement you explain all the work and secrecy that went into this gift. You lay the truth down with DS now before anyone else has a chance to ruin it.  Then let him drive to the party.  
 

Just another day in Stephell.  

notsurehowtodeal's picture

This is a great idea! Give him the car before you leave for the party, explain exactly who it is from, and then let him drive it to the party so he can show it off to everyone!

Winterglow's picture

And if anyone makes a comment about it being from both parents due to child support,  loudly declare that it most certainly is not from both of you because CS is only intended to cover NECESSITIES and that a car is absolutely NOT a necessity. Furthermore,  his father was given the opportunity to contribute and did not.

Public shaming isn't always a bad thing. 

Harry's picture

Give him the car either,  a week before  the joint party.  Take him to friendly's for ice cream. Give him the car. There, or after the party.   Your own snall party.   I invite two friends  to a ice cream cream party. At a friendly's type of place where everyone fers to order the ice cream they want.  Or a place that does the . The kitchen sink  a big bowl when every flavor of  ice cream ,m it's takes 6 or more to eat it all.  

la_dulce_vida's picture

Prepare a bill for 1/2 the costs (price of car, registration, taxes and insurance) and keep it on you "just in case."

If someone says the gift is from anyone other than you and your spouse, I would be eager to share the bill with whomever wants to go in on the gift together. If your former MIL says anything about child support, I would say, "Child support goes to all of DS's basic needs. There isn't anything left over for a luxury like a car."