Mom Charges Rent From Daughter To Prepare Her For Life; Here's What She Does With It

A mother from Queensland, Australia, is gaining widespread attention for her unique approach to preparing her daughter for the challenges of adulthood. Kat Clark, a 37-year-old mother of two from the Gold Coast, has sparked both praise and criticism online by charging her 20-year-old daughter, Latisha, rent to live in their home.

Mom Charges Daughter Rent To Prepare Her For Life

Kat shared her parenting strategy in a TikTok video, explaining that she makes Latisha pay the equivalent of 26 pounds (about Rs 2,760) per week as rent. This unconventional method has ignited a heated debate among netizens. While some find it "embarrassing" and unnecessary, Kat firmly believes she is setting her daughter up for success in the real world.

Responding to a critical comment that asked, "Bro, what type of mom makes her daughter pay rent?" Kat confidently replied, "Me. I’m the type of mom that does that." She emphasised that her goal is to teach Latisha about financial responsibility and the realities of living independently.

What She Does With The Rent Is Surprising

Kat revealed that she doesn’t actually use the rent money for household expenses; instead, she deposits it into a bank account for Latisha’s future. Kat’s approach is designed to provide a financial cushion for her daughter, allowing her to save for significant future expenses like buying a house. She stated, “I feel like I’m setting her up for success while at the same time teaching her about the real world because it ain’t free to live.”

The TikTok video on Kat’s account, @katclark, has garnered over 275,500 likes, with many users supporting her method. One user commented, “I had to pay rent as soon as I started working. You’re a great mom." Another wrote, “Girl, there is nothing wrong with charging rent.”

Interestingly, a contrasting concept is sparking debate in China, where the idea of  "full-time children" or "paid children" has become a topic of intense discussion. These young adults, often lacking full-time employment, live with their parents and perform household duties in exchange for financial support. Given that many of these individuals are only children, their parents often welcome their return and provide monthly allowances. Their daily responsibilities include chores, shopping, accompanying parents to medical appointments, and planning outings.

This new style of upbringing is raising questions about the balance between supporting adult children and teaching them independence. While some see it as a practical solution to economic challenges, others worry it might hinder young adults' ability to develop self-sufficiency.

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In a related story from 2018, another mother sparked debate with a similar teaching tactic. Essence Evans, a mother from Georgia, USA, decided to charge her five-year-old daughter, Brooke, rent out of her weekly allowance. Essence gave Brooke seven dollars each week but required her to pay back a portion to cover expenses like rent, food, and utilities. Essence shared her approach on Facebook, aiming to teach Brooke about financial responsibility from a young age. While some parents praised her creativity, others disagreed with her method.

These diverse parenting strategies highlight the ongoing debate about how best to prepare children for the financial realities of adulthood. Whether charging rent or providing financial support in exchange for household duties, parents are finding new ways to teach their children about money management and independence.