It’s important to teach kids about money management. It’s also important to teach kids that not everything is free and everything comes at a cost, especially on money you make.

So, I need your opinion on this.

Last night my son was asked to ref a game out of town, so he was paid mileage. He didn’t pay for the gas or the wear and tear on the vehicle to get to the game. Once he got his cash, I told him to pay up. He was paid $40 to ref the game and the mileage was $45. He obviously gets the keep the entire $40, but I told him part of the mileage money was mine. Argument ensued.

Now, I’m not a monster, I wasn’t going to take all of it. But he figured he deserved all of it. I had to explain how much fuel costs, how much it is to maintain a vehicle, and my time sitting at an out of town rink while he refs. I have no issue sitting around the rink while he refs, it’s a first job for him, he really enjoys it, and I enjoy watching him learn more about the game.

He fought about it for a bit and then I made the deal of him giving me $15 and he can keep the rest. I figured that was a fair deal. He was “okay” with it.

Is this a good lesson for a kid or should have I let him keep it?

• Evan