Parents divide opinion by charging 19-year-old daughter $200 rent after she decided not to go to college

A Texas couple’s decision to charge their 19-year-old daughter rent for living at home post-high school has stirred a heated discussion about parenting and financial responsibility.

Erika and Cody Archie, from Gatesville, Texas – who boast nearly a million followers on TikTok – shared their decision to charge daughter Kylee $200 a month in rent starting June 1, 2022, just two weeks after her high school graduation.

This move by the Archies reflects a growing debate on how to best teach young adults financial responsibilities. According to Pew Research Center, as of July 2022, about 50% of American adults aged 18 to 29 live with their parents – a significant increase from previous decades.

Dad Cody had shared his firm stance on the matter, stating: “Two hundred bucks a month is plenty cheap to live like a grub in your parents’ house.”

Despite both parents initially disagreeing on the approach, they soon agreed that this approach teaches essential lessons in handling financial obligations. “That’s cheaper than she eats in food,” Erika added, emphasizing the importance of their daughter learning to manage bills.

Their decision, however, has divided social media users. Some agreed with the couple, recounting similar personal experiences: “If you’re not studying you’re working, if you’re working I’m not the only one paying bills in the house. Treat adults like adults.

A second added: “I had to pay rent after I graduated until I left for the Marine Corps. I turned out all right I think.”

Another TikToker pointed out how the introduction of rent also changes the couple’s relationship with their daughter, saying: “It’s all good. But if she’s paying rent then she can come and go as she pleases. Curfew, other “parenting” rules go out the window. She’s now a tenant.”

Others proposed alternative methods, such as saving the rent money to return to the child as a future financial aid. A viewer shared: “I paid $100 a month, then my parents gave it back to me as a wedding present. It really helped to get started.”

“Collect rent then give it back when they move out,” another TikTok user agreed.

Credit: Isabel Pavia / Getty

On the other hand, a segment of the audience strongly opposed the idea of charging children rent. One user argued: “You decided to have a child…not the other way around. Where else would they go if they didn’t reside home with you?”

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

“That’s weak when they leave it will be hard enough. Teach them to save so they can move out,” wrote another.

Interestingly, a Newsweek poll conducted in 2022 revealed that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe that young adults living with their parents should pay rent, even if the parents do not need the money.

The debate comes amidst a backdrop of increasing multigenerational households in the US. Data from Pew Research Center indicates that around 60 million American homes are now multigenerational – a figure that has quadrupled since the 1970s.

In 2020, the number of young adults living at home reached levels not seen since the Great Depression, a trend accelerated by the economic impact of the pandemic.

The Daily Mail also states that the median monthly rent and house prices in the US also hit record highs in 2022.

So, what do you think? Would you charge your adult children rent? Let us know in the comments section.