TikToker sparks debate by charging kids rent and utilities

A TikTok from the USA who advises others on how to manage a household budget admitted that she charges her own children rent and utilities. A storm erupted in the comments under the recording.

How can one teach children to respect money? There is no clear answer to this question. Especially since romanticizing teen work activities like walking dogs or selling lemonade is not far from justifying real child labour.

Milly, a TikToker from the USA, teaches her followers how to sensibly manage a budget. She shows ways to learn how to save more and avoid impulsive purchases. In one recording, she demonstrated how she handles her children's needs. Her method of teaching them financial responsibility did not meet with the approval of the commenters.

Milly explains that her children receive a five-dollar allowance, but they still have to earn it. They earn money by performing household chores, which include various tasks, some of which are controversial. Completing homework or cleaning their room seems harmless, but washing the car or giving Mom a foot massage is rather debatable.

— We charge them a dollar for rent, a dollar for utilities, and a dollar for food at the beginning of each month. When they pay the bills, we mark it to confirm the payment. They can split the remaining two dollars of their salary into different categories, such as clothes, gifts, savings, etc. [...] We want them to learn that there are costs and bills in a friendly environment — summarizes Milly. Her explanation was not met with enthusiasm from netizens.

"My parents did such things, and now I'm always financially insecure and a workaholic," writes Madissonn. "Five dollars a month, two dollars for activities, what can these kids buy for 24 dollars a year?" wonders Ashley. "Let them enjoy their childhood," appeals Marija. "My parents charged me rent when I was just a teenager trying to save for a school laptop. I couldn't afford it. I haven't spoken to them in seven years, but it was the best time of my life," adds MC. "Yay! What better gift can you give your kids than anxiety?" wonders Luismme.