[gacook]

My kids will be quasi-cut off when they hit 18. They have been informed that if they're going to college locally, they're free to stay at home at no cost to them; if they join the military--good for you; if they go away for school, we'll help out, but they will share some of the burden; and if they choose to not go to school and just work, they will pay me rent. NOBODY will be mooching off me as adults. My oldest step-son is 2 years away, and nowhere near prepared for real life. My 13-year-old daughter is already putting things in place (grades, right extra-curricular activities to help with scholarship awards, putting money aside) to make sure she's ready for successful life beyond my umbrella.