SCENKA 1
PARENT: Oh, hi. You look determined. Is there something you’d like to talk about?
TEENAGER: Yes, actually. I’d like to talk about my pocket money.
PARENT: I’m listening.
TEENAGER: First, I just want to say that I appreciate the amount you’re giving me now. It’s enough to buy myself lunch every day, and go out with my friends a few times a month, so thank you. But I find it hard to buy myself other things I need, you know, things like new clothes, because if I save anything at all each month, it’s a tiny amount. I know that you want me to learn how to manage my finances, but it’s difficult with the amount I’m getting right now.
PARENT: I can see what you mean, but that’s exactly how one learns to manage their finances. We don’t always get enough money to buy everything we want, so we need to cut down on some things in order to save up and buy that one thing we really want.
TEENAGER: I understand, but see, I have to pay for school lunch every day, and I need new clothes once in a while. The only way I can cut down on my spending is by going out with my friends less, and I really don’t want to do that. I already don’t see them often enough because of my extracurricular activities, and this way I’d see them even less.
PARENT: Hmm… How about I buy you the clothes you need once every few months, so you can save up more?
TEENAGER: That sounds like a good idea, but this way I won’t learn to manage my finances better. I’ll just rely on you to budget money for my clothes.
PARENT: You make a good point. I’m willing to increase the amount of pocket money you receive, but there’s one condition.
TEENAGER: I’m listening.
PARENT: I want you to pick up one household chore in exchange. This way, you can learn that getting better “pay” means doing a bit more work. You’ll be sure to value the money you receive.
TEENAGER: Deal!
SCENKA 2
Alex: So, what are we doing on Friday? I’ve been wanting to see that movie for weeks now. They’re playing it at 9 p.m. We could go to a restaurant first and then to the cinema.
Drew: Eh, I’m not a fan of this director. His movies are always so… weird. I’m down to go to the restaurant, though.
Jordan: I’d love to see that movie, but the restaurant you both like is really expensive. Why don’t we go instead to that food market they’ve opened recently? We can try something new!
Alex: What food do they sell at the food market anyway? I’m not sure I’ll find anything I like.
Drew: Yeah, and the restaurant is just by the cinema, so we wouldn’t have to walk far. The food market is like 20 minutes away.
Jordan: Well, I still want to visit that food market. You two can go to the restaurant, and then I can join Alex and see the movie.
Alex: But I want to spend time with both of you! It’s not the same if I eat dinner with you, Drew and go to the cinema with you, Jordan.
Drew: I agree. We’re all supposed to spend time together.
Jordan: In that case, we need to find a common ground.
Drew: Hmmm…
Alex: Well, I really want to see the movie. I’m fine with going to the food market instead of the restaurant, though. If I don’t find anything I like, I’ll at least spend time with the two of you.
Drew: I’m still not sold on the food market or the movie.
Jordan: You’ve got to agree on at least one. Otherwise, we won’t make it work. As for me, I can go to the restaurant instead of the food market if it really matters to you that much.
Drew: No, it’s fine. You’re right. I really don’t want to see that movie, but the food market is all right.
Alex: Great, then it’s settled! The three of us will go to the food market, and then, Jordan and I will go to the cinema. Does that work for everyone?
Jordan: Yes!
Drew: Definitely!
SCENKA 3
PARENT: Remember to be back home by 9 p.m.
TEENAGER: I’m not a child anymore, Dad! 9 p.m. is way too early for me to return.
PARENT: I’m sorry, but you know the rules. You have school tomorrow, so you can’t stay out late. Please, be home by 9.
KAI: Why can’t I be home by 10? It’s only one hour more.
PARENT: I’ve already said why, Kai.
KAI: Ugh! You never let me do anything!
PARENT: I don’t like this tone. I understand you want to stay out longer, but it’s simply not happening on a school day. I can agree to let you come back by 10 or even 11 on a weekend. What about that?
KAI: I don’t care about the weekend! I care about today! You know that I go to bed late anyway. What does it change if I’m home by 9? I won’t go to sleep anyway!
PARENT: Kai, I’m trying to find a common ground with you. Why would you want to stay out late today, anyway?
TEENAGER: What does it matter? I just do.
PARENT: Well, since there’s no particular reason, and you’re constantly raising your voice at me, I expect you home at 9 p.m. Period.
TEENAGER:Whatever!