I wrote previously on the cost of raising children but didn't really touch on the cost of raising teenagers. And as the family grows so it seems does the expenses, seemingly disproportionate to your income levels.

But it can be done on a tight budget, apparently. Nigel Lane gives 7 tips for raising teens in our current consumerist society and it's all based on being open and honest with them, especially about the limited family budget.

Lane states;

The way to control some or all of these costs is to train and teach your son/daughter to see things from your point of view and help them understand. Often they also need to be aware that owning ‘things’ and conforming to everyone else’s worldview [that, for example, brand names are best] are not the driving forces behind our choices.

Armed with information, teenagers will be in a better position to understand the pressure upon the family should their demands be met. And this is a great way to help them be more considerate of others and the choices that they make.