I know quite a few parents who basically stop supporting their kids around 16/17 years old. The only things they'll provide them with are necessities (food/shelter) and the kids have to go get jobs if they want to be able to have gas in their cars, pay for insurance, go out with friends, etc. It's hard to cut back on a job when you need money and cutting back on school is not an option. While I believe high schools are merely the gov'ts way of getting us ready for minimum wage jobs (if we choose not to futher our education), it's still important to graduate if you plan on making it in the world without working your [wagon] off only to dig yourself a deeper hole. That's almost abandonment :| I thought that was the norm. sadly, yes and yes =/