Fair's Fair

[pips1]

My mother wants to give us a bit of money for Christmas, there are 4 of us in varying degrees of financial circumstances. Some of us have partners/children and some of us haven't, some own our homes and others don't. I'm not talking loads of money here, but last time she did this there were arguments, how do you think she should do this fairly?

[Gavmacp]

If it was going to cause arguements I would not want it!

[craft1948]

If I was giving my children money, regardless of their individual circumstances, I give each of them the same amount.

[craft1948]

^ would

[Maydup]

Equal amount to each of her children or nothing at all I think.

[friedgreentomato]

Equal amounts is the only fair way

[ummmm]

Equal amounts.

There is nothing to stop her helping someone out if they really need it, just not as a xmas present.

[sherrardk]

Same to everyone (I am big on fair shares - I have been known to weigh out sweets/chocolate so they can all see they have got the same amount.) And yes, I do have a ginormous chip on my shoulder about it :(

[gness]

My mother has always been incredibly generous to my brother but I could go to hell in a handcart before she'd do the same for me.
My brother and I are great friends but it has affected our feelings towards our mother. Equal shares is only fair when it's your children.

[pips1]

Thanks for your answers, it only arose as a problem when mum gave each individual member of her immediate family £100 a couple of years ago, and because 1 of us has 3 children, 1 has 2, 1 has one and 1 has none it was deemed unfair!! Honestly families!! I said to mum 'is it worth it?'

[Canary42]

If they argued about it they don't deserve any more in my opinion - she should spend it on herself and give each of them a mince pie.

[ummmm]

It's greedy and pathetic.

[Mick-Talbot]

I would buy them all this ..... Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

If they want to act like kids, treat them like kids.

[sherrardk]

My dad gives £50 per grand child and £50 per couple (costs him a fortune on our case), but I suppose it's fair. I just think its nice whatever he gives.

[snags]

Your Mother should spend it on herself and forget her whinging ungrateful offspring.

[pips1]

I totally agree with all your comments, I'm just the poor old soul who tries to keep the peace as I am the one who sorts things out for mum.

[ELVIS68]

Stinks of greed to me and totally out of Xmas spirit, people should be grateful of any gift be it a pair of socks or money

[ummmm]

I agree with HW (hope you're okay xx)