Motherly
Dad charges 6-year-old rent—clever or too much?
A dad’s TikTok shows his 6-year-old paying rent as a financial lesson—and parents are torn. Is it smart money teaching or rushing childhood?
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Father's "Rent-Paying" 6-Year-Old Sparks Viral Debate on Childhood Financial Literacy
A recent video shared by content creator Michael, known as @michael_talksmoney, has ignited widespread discussion online regarding his unconventional approach to teaching financial responsibility. The video details how his 6-year-old daughter, Rose, "pays" rent and utilities within their household. According to Michael, Rose is required to pay $3 for rent and $1 for utilities each month. This money, once collected, is then organized into designated "Household" and "Utilities" envelopes within a budget binder. To earn this money, Rose completes a weekly chore chart, where various daily and weekly tasks accumulate points. Upon reaching 25 points, she qualifies for a $5 allowance, which Michael then pays her, depositing it into a "Payment" envelope. Michael states that the system is designed to teach his daughter that "money is earned, not given," and to instill budgeting and saving habits early. "Learning to work with money at 6 means she won’t struggle with it at 26," he explained in the video. The method has drawn strong reactions from viewers. While some commend the initiative to foster financial literacy, others express concern that it places undue pressure on a young child, potentially diminishing her childhood. Comments range from "I understand the paying the kids for doing chores... but paying bills is just annoying. Let her enjoy being a kid" to "I think this is a good idea but it’s sad also because you’re taking part of her childhood away." The debate highlights varying perspectives on the appropriate age and methods for introducing children to financial concepts.
People.com
Dad Collects Rent From His 6-Year-Old Daughter Every Month, Teaching 'Not All o…
Michael Madden tells PEOPLE exclusively why he makes his 6-year-old daughter pay rent— and why he shared the experience with the internet.
CafeMom.com
Dad Charges 6-Year-Old Rent & Utilities To Teach Money Lessons But People Are D…
"So never a life without worrying about bills? Not even in childhood 😭."
