<p>lonestardad, your son’s path was the preferred option from my perspective - that’s why I worked so hard researching for several years before we applied. As a single parent, it would have taken the pressure off of the sole breadwinner. </p>
<p>When my son made his choice, I informed him that he would be financing graduate school himself - fellowship, TA, RA or whatever - and that I would only contribute a bit towards living expenses, pay the car insurance, etc. - in effect, become a safety net to allow him to avoid eating Cheerios and water every day in graduate school. </p>
<p>I also told him that when I was 90, I would live with him, and he would change my diaper. It’s only fair, right? ;)</p>