[scfr]

TINA - On your blog it says you are 17. In my opinion, that is an age where it is reasonable for a parent to expect the child to have a general understanding of the family finances (in other words, not ask for an XBox or some fancy toy when the family is struggling financially). But it is TOO YOUNG for a parent to expect them to help cover the regular expenses unless the situation is really dire.

However, it may be different if your father is from a culture (from another part of the world originally) where children are expected to chip in from a young age.

This is a pretty sensitive issue and I don't have children ... hopefully someone with kids will step in here!

Perhaps you could help out in non-financial ways? Such as helping out a bit more with housework so your mom can go to work? Or telling your parents that they can cut back on something they are spending money on for you (lessons, clothes, etc)?