I thought I was going to read,$45,000 for college but for senior year of high school.I just don't know about that one.

Great points, dorit and hockeymum. I'd definitely put having food on the table and healthcare in a different category than going to a private school. I also wonder how the school came up with $45K and couldn't meet the other $8, knowing the family's situation, and how they'd feel knowing the mom was on a freeway offramp to make up the difference.

Interesting story. Begging is desperate in this situation. I would rather work at a fast food restaurant that stand on a street corner and beg. I do applaud how much she wants her son to succeed but panhandling is pretty low. What about downsizing, basic cable, no internet, no eating out, taking transit, basic cell phone plan, recycling empties etc.. theres lots of ways to save money. We are just too comfortable a society. Also if you were the son, wouldn't it be embarrassing going to school with everyone knowing your mom begged to get you there.

I respect this mom wanting child the best for child. And I would beg on in the street for my daughter- for like health care or the like, not for a school when perfectly good schools are out there for free.

That's kind of my point, TJ. My son is on a very good scholarship at a private college where he's very well aware that some kids are handed everything. He's NOT that kid. He busted his rear to get there and he's busting his butt to get through, but he's also got the best GPA of the kids he knows.

He had friends far more brilliant who went to very respectable state universities because the school of their choice didn't think anything of $50K and didn't dangle much if anything in front of the kids.

I'm sure it's a great dance school, but instead of freaking out for one year of high school, I'd make sure the kid got a full ride in college somewhere. And I'd hope I'd raised my son right he'd never want/expect/allow someone to degrade themselves that way to get what he wanted.

My first thought was $53,000/year tuition? Really?? My second thought was, can't the school just give this kid a free ride?? Talk about dangling a carrot.

I was also surprised that it doesn't say anything about the kid getting a summer job to help raise the last $8000 needed.

I sure hope she's planning on declaring that income for tax purposes or at the very least, I thank the newspaper for pointing the IRS in her direction.

There are lots of ways to make $8,000 including having the kids work, too. And there are life lessons to be learned about not being able to afford every single thing (opportunities can come for a LOT less) that comes your way.

Would I stand on a street corner to beg? Nope. But support him in ways that show him his worth and value and balance that with how much we can actually afford? Certainly.

Of course, there's no doubt a Movie of the Week in the works now, so she'll be set.