<p>Dad23</p>
<p>I have two kids who often don't understand "money issues" but I can't imagine that they would be stubborn in the event that their dad lost his job (H is the only money earner). There must be something more going on here. Perhaps you son is somehow really just angry that you haven't been able to find a job yet. Could that be it? Kids are naive about how hard it can be for a "middle aged professional" to find employment after a layoff.</p>
<p>Usually a job loss by the major earner is enuf to shake up even the most naive person in the house. As someone who also has two kids in Catholic high school, I know that my kids would be happy (and surprised) if we were able to keep them at the school if their dad lost his job. </p>
<p>What is really going on here? Have you kept the financial problems secret from your kids? Have you tried to "keep up the appearances" that nothing has changed since you were laid off? If so, you need to have a family meeting and lay it all on the table.</p>