Some parents are adopting an unconventional method to teach kids financial literacy—charging them rent—sparking viral reactions and a fierce debate over childhood responsibility.
At a Glance
- Parents like Taja Ashaka charge tweens weekly rent and utilities to simulate adult life
- Critics say the practice may cause unnecessary stress for children
- Methods include late payment penalties and even “eviction”
- Supporters argue it promotes early financial literacy and independence
Turning Bedrooms into Apartments
Taja Ashaka’s viral story has reignited a conversation about how early kids should learn about money. As reported by the New York Post, Ashaka charges each of her children $5 a week for rent and another $5 for utilities. Bedrooms are labeled with apartment numbers, and kids must deliver payment to personal mailboxes by 9:00 p.m. every Friday. If they’re late—even by a minute—there’s a fine and a loss of privileges.
Watch her breakdown of the rules in this clip.
Ashaka’s system mirrors real-world pressures, including late fees and eviction threats. “If they do not have [their rent] paid by 9:01 p.m., their first notice is no phone for 24 hours, and they have to pay an extra dollar,” she said. The goal, according to Ashaka, is to prepare her kids for the real financial world—before they’re thrown into it unprepared.
Is It a Lesson—or a Load?
Supporters see it as tough love that works. Families like Samantha Bird’s and Cody and Erika Archie’s use similar systems, requiring their children—even a 19-year-old—to contribute to household expenses. Some parents also use allowance-based systems to teach budgeting, such as the “three-jar” method for spending, saving, and giving.
“I taught my kids about credit and how to work it towards their advantage,” one parent told US Bank’s Financial IQ blog. “It has to be worked at and doesn’t just fall into place.”
But critics question the emotional toll of treating children like tenants. “[This kind of structure] imposes adult anxieties on kids who should be developing in a secure environment,” tweeted one concerned educator (source).
Alternatives for Financial Literacy
Other parents are taking gentler approaches. According to Empeople Insights, strategies like “sleeping on” big purchases or discussing opportunity cost help teach financial lessons without the pressure. For example, one mom described using 24-hour waiting periods for costly purchases to curb impulsiveness and prompt discussion.
“Wait 24 hours when it’s a purchase that’ll really make a dent,” said Kathy E. “It helps keep impulse purchases at bay and starts conversations about what’s worth it.”
Whether through simulated rent or structured allowances, these strategies aim to teach kids how to manage money long before they face adult realities. What remains up for debate is which method builds stronger character—and which might leave kids feeling unnecessarily burdened.
As financial literacy education gains traction, the question remains: is charging kids rent a smart lesson or too harsh a way to teach the value of money?
