Parents Who Want To Charge Their Teenager Rent After She Graduated From High School Flare Up Online Debate

May 26, 2023 by apost team

Usually, after graduating from high school, parents give their children the opportunity to decide what to do after – whether to work or pursue college. While many would opt to study in universities or attend community colleges, a large chunk of people would stop schooling after getting their high school diplomas. Nothing is wrong in choosing the former, but in the case of one family in Gatesville, Texas, they have an alternative option for their daughter. 

In a video that Erika and Cody Archie posted on TikTok, they opened up a debate online, asking people whether it was right for them to charge their kid $200 for rent if she decided not to go to college. 

“Our thought together is that since (Kylee) has graduated, I told her... I been telling her, ‘June the first, our rent's due if you continue to live here,'” Cody said in the video, whose stance about his kid is much stricter than his wife's. 

According to Cody, $200 a month is “plenty cheap” to live like a “grub” in your parents’ house. Although Erika noted that it was a “little harsh” and a “little leeway” should be offered, she agreed with her husband that the coast is “cheaper” than the cost of the food she eats, even saying that she thinks the lesson would teach her a “good lesson” in paying bills. 

Cody also noted that his daughter should add another hundred bucks if she wants to eat food from their refrigerator. Keep on reading to learn more about the responses of the people on the internet about their questions. 

Cody and Erika stirred a debate on social media, prompting “Parents of TikTok” to each give their own take on the issue. 

Many seemed to have agreed with the couple, noting that it was “just” to charge their kids for rent. 

“My mother did. I chose not to go to college but I did get a job. I was expected to pay rent and I didn't begrudge her at all. It’s what should happen,” a user said. 

“I support this. I myself pay rent to stay with my parents. I help my parents keep the bills paid while helping myself without feeling like a leech,” another supported. 

“This. it's teaches them responsibility about being independent but then also shows them the value of saving,” someone commented. 

Meanwhile, some parents disagreed with the couple, raising their eyebrows at the unusual parenting technique. 

“You decided to have a child...not the other way around. Where else would they go if they didn't reside home with you?” a user asked. 

“A definite no for me… I know it’s rare, but I will forever help my kids… no matter the age,” a parent shared. 

“NO, as long as she’s in school or working to save money till they are 21,” one posted. 

The mixed reactions of people online mirror a recent study conducted by Pew Research Center in July 2022. It revealed that 50 percent of adults in the United States aged 18 to 29 years old are living with either one or both of their parents, hence the agreement on the couple’s tactic. 

A Newsweek poll also supported this study, saying that nearly two-thirds of American adults were in favor of grown-up offsprings paying their rent if they still live in their parent’s houses. 

apost.com

Do you think parents should make their adult children pay rent when they’re still living in their homes? How did you pay your rent growing up? Let us know, and pass this on to someone who you think knows the answer to the question!