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221
Teen Son Starts Making Around $3k A Month, Mom Wants Him To Start Paying $600 Rent
Interview With ExpertTurning your hobby or passion into a full-time career is now easier than ever. Whether it’s sharing music with thousands online or teaching cooking classes from your kitchen, the internet has made almost anything possible. And for some, it really pays off—literally.
Like this parent, who shared that their 17-year-old son is making some serious cash from live streaming. We’re talking $3,000 a month! Impressive, right? But now, the parent thinks it’s time for their son to learn about money management and responsibility—by paying $600 in rent. The problem? Their spouse completely disagrees and wants their kid to enjoy his youth while he still can. The debate is on, and opinions are flying. Keep reading to see what people think!
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Live streaming has turned into a profitable career, with even teenagers making impressive earnings
Image credits: charnsitr (not the actual photo)
A parent shared that their 17-year-old son is earning a significant amount of money through live streaming, and they now expect him to contribute by paying rent
Image credits: LightFieldStudios (not the actual photo)
Image credits: eunixradjaiq
Teaching kids about financial independence at a young age can be incredibly beneficial for their future
Parents usually want to do what’s best for their child’s future. They want them to grow into responsible, financially independent adults who can manage their money wisely. But sometimes, it’s tricky to find the balance between letting them enjoy their youth and teaching them about real-world responsibilities. When a child starts earning at a young age, the big question arises—should they contribute financially at home, or should they be allowed to enjoy their hard-earned money without pressure?
In order to gain deeper insights into this, Bored Panda spoke with Khushboo Dugar, a seasoned professional from India. A chartered accountant with expertise in financial planning and tax advisory, and a mother of two, she understands both the financial and emotional aspects of raising kids in a world where they can start earning at an early age. She shared her thoughts on how parents can introduce financial responsibility without taking away a child’s sense of freedom.
She begins by saying, “I strongly believe it’s important to start young when it comes to teaching kids about financial responsibility. The earlier they understand how to manage money, the better prepared they’ll be when they step into adulthood. Many parents wait until their kids are older, but small habits formed early can have a huge impact later.”
“Take small steps,” she advises. “Kids learn better when they are young. Instead of overwhelming them with complex financial lessons, parents can start with simple concepts like saving, budgeting, and understanding the value of money. Even giving them small financial responsibilities, like handling a set amount of pocket money or saving up for something they want, can be a great lesson.”
“Especially today, when age is just a number and kids as young as 10 are earning through social media, it’s even more important to introduce them to financial literacy early on,” she explains. “The opportunities for young creators and entrepreneurs are endless, but if they don’t learn how to handle their earnings wisely, they might struggle with financial management later in life.”
Image credits: StudioPeace (not the actual photo)
There’s a fine line between guiding kids toward financial responsibility and placing too much pressure on them too soon
“It’s important for parents to teach their kids how to manage money, especially when they start earning early,” she says. “But before anything, parents should first discuss the approach they want to take. Some families may choose to charge a small rent, while others might focus on helping their child save or invest. Whatever the approach, it’s essential that both parents are on the same page to avoid unnecessary conflicts.”
“Without proper guidance, kids might use their earnings irresponsibly,” she points out. “Suddenly having access to a steady income at a young age can lead to overspending on unnecessary things instead of learning to save or invest. This is where parents can step in—not to control their money, but to help them make smart financial decisions that will benefit them in the long run.”
“One great way to guide them is to help them save for something meaningful,” she suggests. “Instead of forcing them to pay rent, parents could encourage them to set aside money for their dream college, a professional course, or even their first car. This teaches them the importance of saving while still allowing them to enjoy their earnings.”
“At the same time, you need to remember they are just kids,” she adds. “It’s important not to be too harsh on them. Instead of asking for a big amount for rent, parents can start small—maybe some money towards electricity or groceries. This way, they get the idea of contributing without feeling like they’re losing all their hard-earned money. The goal isn’t to make them feel burdened but to help them understand financial responsibility in a realistic and gradual way.”
“It all comes down to balance,” she concludes. “Parents should aim to support their child’s success while also preparing them for the real world. Instead of making them feel like they’re being punished for earning, it should be an opportunity to teach valuable financial lessons in a way that is fair and motivating for them.”
In this particular case, the parents were in disagreement about whether their son should pay rent. While introducing financial responsibility is important, the amount did seem a little high for a 17-year-old. What do you think? Should young earners contribute to household expenses, or should they be allowed to enjoy their earnings stress-free while they still can?
Image credits: Prostock-studio (not the actual photo)
Many people online felt the parent was being too harsh for charging their son $600 in rent at such a young age
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What do you think ?
Bob Brooce 8 months ago
$600 a month for rent is dirt cheap in my area if you're talking about an apartment or a house. For a room with a shared bath and kitchen privileges it's comparable to 3 people sharing a house that rents for $1800. That would make it fairly reasonable if it was just a normal tenant.
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🇺🇦 🇵🇸 TribbleThinking 8 months ago (edited)
I'd have a serious conversation with him about putting at least half away into decent interest bearing accounts and investments. He would be fully financially supported through the gap year and college. After that point, he would be not charged rent and board as long as the equivalent of rent and board was put into a high interest account for his nest egg(house/business/whatever).
Bianca 8 months ago
when I started my apprenticeship (hope this is the right term), I also had to contribute to the household financially as long as I lived at home. I think that was ok, you learn that living has a cost. But my parents saved the money for me. That was a great surprise, when I moved and I could use that money.
Lord of the laserprinter. 8 months ago
Yeah, when I did my apprenticeship earning 400 Marks as a 16 year old I had to pay 200 DM’s to my parents. And they did not save it for me eventhoug my dad had a high wage.
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Schnitzel 8 months ago (edited)
I had to pay "rent" and my mom also took the support she got for children from the Swedish Government. I was working HARD with horses before and after school and I got USD 500/mo. She took half of that and all of the governmental support. I fu***** hate that b**ch so much! Edit: just to get away from my parents, I moved in with my then bf's parents at the age of 16.
🇺🇦 🇵🇸 TribbleThinking 8 months ago (edited)
My mother also took advantage of me when I was in my teens and early 20s. My personal moral code is to "repay" my mother and look after her. However, because she was so greedy and ungrateful back then, I consider myself more than fully paid up, and won't be doing any more for her. It was very shortsighted of her, as we're tons better off now (decades older) and MrTribble's parents were thoroughly pampered with attention, care, treats and expensive outings.
Load More Replies... Robin Roper 8 months ago
Who are these people who charge their children to live in their homes? It's astonishing.
Vinnie 8 months ago
If the son's work is driving up household utility bills, it might be a teachable moment: cost of living, writing off business expenses, etc.
Load More Replies... WonderWoman 8 months ago
Parents should sit down with their son and talk about financials. Son should be socking away for a rainy day, and now is the best time to teach him while he is flush with cash. In the USA, sadly all that money he has earned will be taken into consideration when he finishes his gap year and goes to college.
Romy Rösli 8 months ago
I would charge him for the electricity since I guess streaming for hours consumes quite a lot of energy.
Amanduh 8 months ago
Teach him responsibilities? You saw dollar signs and want to get yours, you selfish p***k. You are the a*****e.
Jason Kennith 8 months ago (edited)
Precisely! I think the dad was jealous of his son and saw a labor-free way to make money.
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Boo 8 months ago
Our youngest finished school at 16 (UK) and jumped straight into working full time and she was still living at home. After her first pay slip, she asked for our bank acct details so she could pay digs money. She wanted to give us £300 a month and it didn't sit right with me....so we agreed on £100 a month. Enough to cover the lecky and food. With taking the smaller amount, it let her save up enough money over the 5 years to cover her for moving into her own flat. There's no way her da and I would have suggested that much! That's just an àrsehole move! Our kids will always be our kids and will help out whenever they need it.
Richard Iachetta 8 months ago
If he doesn't want do contribute to the household, stop doing thing for him like laundry, cooking his meals, doing his laundry. Since he doesn't want to contribute to the family show him what it's like not to be part of it
ANGEL M 8 months ago
Okay, not getting all these YTA. If a child has left school they are classed as an adult. He maybe on a Gap year but there is still no guarantee that he will continue in further education, as a result he has to be shown how living as an adult works. The OP said he had suggested to his wife that they save what they get from their sons rent to help him out later and frankly that is the correct thing to do if they have a sufficient income to manage their household. ( if he didn't have the income to manage the household asking for rent in this situation would be more than valid) The important thing is OP is thinking of his sons future and his development into adult life
Christos Arvanitis 8 months ago
If he were still a student, then perhaps rent wouldn't make sense, but he is done with school, is actively earning an income and it is unclear if he is going to continue his education. So he is working and, while this apparently isn't a popular opinion, I have no problem charging him rent. Where I live in Boston area, $600 is pretty cheap. I don't expect my position to be popular however :D
Inés Olabarria Smith 8 months ago
Why not talk to the kid and tell him to set aside the money he would need to live on his own so he can learn what the father wants him to learn?
Janelle Collard 8 months ago (edited)
The kid's using more electricity + wifi so I would adjust the rent based on that. He'd still be paying rent, but maybe not $600/month. If sonny-boy isn't taught how to live independently, how will he do it on his own?
Nina 8 months ago
I don't think it would be a bad idea to charge him some rent and save it up for him as a down payment for a house of his own in the future, or college fund if he doesn't have one. If I think back how I was around that age, I'd blow all the money that came in on fun stuff. It would help him if they sat him down for a conversation about being smart with your money as well, 3 k is a lot at that age.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 8 months ago
If that "rent" money is just going to be saved up and given back to the child, WHY even "charge him rent" at all? That will cause resentment (and rightfully so.) Better to have an actual empathetic conversation with the son and tell him to deposit said amount into some sort of account (not his normal checking account) for the same purpose.
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Monica G 8 months ago
I'd ask my son to pay the Wifi, and fund a way for him to learn about taxes fir his earnings.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 8 months ago
WiFi counts as utilities. A child's parents are responsible for the utilities in the home where the child lives. I assume the parents also use the WiFi - why is the minor child suddenly "responsible" for paying for a utility that the other members of the household also use?
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Crystalwitch60 8 months ago
As a mother of two kids I’m 60 n they are 23-20 , both pay me a nominal amount monthly since they were 18 !! N they’ve both worked since they they where 16 , like I did I’m in uk it’s the Norm here ! in fact they pay the same amount I used to at 16 but I left home so 🤷♀️, they pay for their own phone contracts that are in my name cos I get the good deals lmao n it’s all unlimited texts calls , data they choose depending on what they need , I’m housebound out in the sticks , n I agree totally with kids paying their way towards leccy etc in my kids case where can u get a whole house , and bills for like £50 a week ! however , I use the money wisely it’s a bit for leccy n the rest is for them if they run short some times , but it’s vital for kids to learn responsibility, n my eldest earns around 3 k a month working in our Cotswolds village pub , n son is self employed n often works away those weeks he don’t need to give me anything , all the younger parents appear to think they shouldn’
Crystalwitch60 8 months ago
Ask cos they never had to ! There is nothing wrong with it although $600 is a tad steep , that said if he’s using all the electric n internet etc then it pans out nothing wrong what so ever with it !
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Agat 8 months ago
ESH 🤣 The dad shouldn't even think about asking his minor son to pay rent, and the amount is crazy. However, in my opinion the son should suggest giving his parents something each month just to help out with the groceries or bills - it's a very natural thing to do when you start making money. At least that's how it is where I live. I don't *have to* but I *want to*.
Mark Childers 8 months ago
Wow, what a great dad. I hate parents who try to "teach" their kids a "lesson" or "how to be an adult." They'll learn that soon enough on their own. Parents should be supportive and the soft place for their kids to fall, not being one of the things that causes them to fall. Unless they're 30 years old living in the basement refusing to work, let the kid be a kid and stop trying to take a cut of his money. Kids need parents to teach them life skills, not ridiculous "lessons about being an adult" by harming them.
notlikeyou1971 8 months ago
If he lives in the US, by law he's obligated to provide for his minor children until they reach legal adulthood. HES STILL A KID!!! I see this parent as greedy and jealous because his kid is making A LOT of money at a young age at this job instead of some minimum wage job. HE'S NOT IN AN APARTMENT. HE'S AT HOME! He bought his own equipment. Paying his own phone bill , and part of the internet I can see,but rent is unreasonable for a KID who you're obligated to take care of.
Laura Pantazis 8 months ago
NTA - The dad literally said he would take the "rent" money and put it in a special savings account. Given how much the kid is making, that's a great idea. It's weird there are so many Y T A
Lyoness 8 months ago
I paid rent as soon as I started making money. I'd always had part time jobs but for university I had to work full time to afford my tuition and went to school at night. My lovely parents decided that if I had enough money to pay for school, I had enough to pay rent. That lasted 5 months before I moved in with my now partner. I've never forgotten how hard it was to scrape together enough cash to pay them AND buy food AND pay for school AND cover everything else. I lived off ramen and celery with cheese whiz because it was the cheapest food I could think of, and sometimes my mom ate my ramen. I haven't spoken to them in 18 years. There are other reasons for that but the rent really put the last nail in the coffin. I guarantee if his parents charge rent now that kid will be gone the minute he turns 18 and they'll never see him again.
R Dennis 8 months ago
I'm going to say NAH (because the plan was to put it away for them), but I don't like the idea of charging a child rent - it comes off as controlling and could make them feel unwanted. I have my daughter putting 15% into a retirement account and 10% into a savings account. She made this decision after we talked about saving and putting money away to retire early.
Ruth Watry 8 months ago
Parents made us put half of our paycheck into the bank(40 years ago). Account with both of our names on it, and needed both signatures to take money out. Mom and dad never touched the money, and it taught us how to save
LooseSeal's $10 Banana 8 months ago (edited)
It's a parent's job to provide housing for their children. It's also a parent's job to do everything they can to help their children make responsible decisions. It definitely should not be "rent" but having him put 20% of his income into HYSA and investment accounts is a no brainer.
G Bono 8 months ago
Why don’t people read before they accuse OP of cheating on his taxes? He said it just started, so whether he has been claiming his son as a dependent or not, is irrelevant. I wish my parents had made me work and paid rent at 17. Mom wanted to charge me and save it. Dad wanted to charge double and spend it. They didn’t agree, so I paid nothing, but didn’t learn about budgeting or being an adult for many many years
Kathy Brooke 8 months ago
I'd sit down with the kid and discuss two things: one is that the parent is subsidising the business. The kid should be contributing to the power bill and wifi costs. That's part of running a business. Secondly I'd point out that streaming is an ephemeral business and he'd be extremely wise to save a chunk each month.. and I'd offer support to do so. Both these would be supporting the kid into an adult relationship with money. Finally, while I wouldn't ask, I kind of wonder why the kid hasn't offered a small contribution towards his keep. Most households I know the kid would want to - or would buy everyone takeaway now and again as a nice gesture. Seems this family isn't given to acts of kindness.
Jason Kennith 8 months ago (edited)
YTA. He's a minor, legally you cannot charge him for rent or utilities. If you want your kid to have a successful future, let him keep his money and talk to him about saving it up for a rainy day. By charging him, you're making everything harder for him. Do not use him as a labor-free way to make money. You should be proud of him for doing so well.
Multa Nocte 8 months ago
Confused by the title. Is this a gay couple because the original poster says that the WIFE opposes this, but your article title says that the wife is the one asking for rent. Very confusing.
Lyoness 8 months ago
Why does the sexual orientation of the parents matter?
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LakotaWolf (she/her) 8 months ago
He may have finished high school early, but he's still a minor child until he's 18. I took the GED when I was 14 - are you saying that I should have paid rent or moved out because I "wasn't going to school"?
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badger 8 months ago
left high school early & is deciding whether to go to college? I doubt he'll be going to college without finishing HS. also, better check whether any of that income is taxable.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 8 months ago
"Now, he finished high school early" - he FINISHED high school, he didn't drop out.
Load More Replies... kkrq2vk4tm 8 months ago
Parents who charge their kids to live at home are just plain greedy and grasping, if you have bought your kids up right then they will offer to help out freely, both my boys lived at home until in their late 20s both earned very good money not once did I need to ask for anything, they would get round to doing a shop if some large broke down they would either replace it or offer to.. Living at home rent and utilities free gives kids the opportunity to save up for when they move out, if you've raised them right then they will do what's right
Vee Lyons 8 months ago (edited)
What a mean spirited boy, keeping his earnings secret from his parents. "Oh they might want some of my money" - yeah, don't buy your Mom or Dad a nice treat now that you can afford to. When I got my first job I used to bring my mother a small present every payday.
BrownEyedPanda 8 months ago
Having a conversation with his son about saving for his future would teach him about adulting far better than demanding rent, especially when it's 20% of his income. That makes OP look like all of those other parents we read about, who leech off of their kids. A financial advisor, a solid portfolio, and perhaps paying a portion of the electric bill would be wise. But unless his son is an emancipated minor, OP needs to back off, unless he wants trouble via IRS and possibly CPS.
J. Maxx 8 months ago
Okay, pumpkin, I doubt the Dad is an effin' "Boomer" if the kid is 17, so you might want to chill with that s**t. Otherwise, your statement is spot on. The Dad should be helping his son set himself up for the future.
Load More Replies... Bob Brooce 8 months ago
$600 a month for rent is dirt cheap in my area if you're talking about an apartment or a house. For a room with a shared bath and kitchen privileges it's comparable to 3 people sharing a house that rents for $1800. That would make it fairly reasonable if it was just a normal tenant.
Load More Replies... 🇺🇦 🇵🇸 TribbleThinking 8 months ago (edited)
I'd have a serious conversation with him about putting at least half away into decent interest bearing accounts and investments. He would be fully financially supported through the gap year and college. After that point, he would be not charged rent and board as long as the equivalent of rent and board was put into a high interest account for his nest egg(house/business/whatever).
Bianca 8 months ago
when I started my apprenticeship (hope this is the right term), I also had to contribute to the household financially as long as I lived at home. I think that was ok, you learn that living has a cost. But my parents saved the money for me. That was a great surprise, when I moved and I could use that money.
Lord of the laserprinter. 8 months ago
Yeah, when I did my apprenticeship earning 400 Marks as a 16 year old I had to pay 200 DM’s to my parents. And they did not save it for me eventhoug my dad had a high wage.
Load More Replies... Schnitzel 8 months ago (edited)
I had to pay "rent" and my mom also took the support she got for children from the Swedish Government. I was working HARD with horses before and after school and I got USD 500/mo. She took half of that and all of the governmental support. I fu***** hate that b**ch so much! Edit: just to get away from my parents, I moved in with my then bf's parents at the age of 16.
🇺🇦 🇵🇸 TribbleThinking 8 months ago (edited)
My mother also took advantage of me when I was in my teens and early 20s. My personal moral code is to "repay" my mother and look after her. However, because she was so greedy and ungrateful back then, I consider myself more than fully paid up, and won't be doing any more for her. It was very shortsighted of her, as we're tons better off now (decades older) and MrTribble's parents were thoroughly pampered with attention, care, treats and expensive outings.
Load More Replies... Robin Roper 8 months ago
Who are these people who charge their children to live in their homes? It's astonishing.
Vinnie 8 months ago
If the son's work is driving up household utility bills, it might be a teachable moment: cost of living, writing off business expenses, etc.
Load More Replies... WonderWoman 8 months ago
Parents should sit down with their son and talk about financials. Son should be socking away for a rainy day, and now is the best time to teach him while he is flush with cash. In the USA, sadly all that money he has earned will be taken into consideration when he finishes his gap year and goes to college.
Romy Rösli 8 months ago
I would charge him for the electricity since I guess streaming for hours consumes quite a lot of energy.
Amanduh 8 months ago
Teach him responsibilities? You saw dollar signs and want to get yours, you selfish p***k. You are the a*****e.
Jason Kennith 8 months ago (edited)
Precisely! I think the dad was jealous of his son and saw a labor-free way to make money.
Load More Replies... Boo 8 months ago
Our youngest finished school at 16 (UK) and jumped straight into working full time and she was still living at home. After her first pay slip, she asked for our bank acct details so she could pay digs money. She wanted to give us £300 a month and it didn't sit right with me....so we agreed on £100 a month. Enough to cover the lecky and food. With taking the smaller amount, it let her save up enough money over the 5 years to cover her for moving into her own flat. There's no way her da and I would have suggested that much! That's just an àrsehole move! Our kids will always be our kids and will help out whenever they need it.
Richard Iachetta 8 months ago
If he doesn't want do contribute to the household, stop doing thing for him like laundry, cooking his meals, doing his laundry. Since he doesn't want to contribute to the family show him what it's like not to be part of it
ANGEL M 8 months ago
Okay, not getting all these YTA. If a child has left school they are classed as an adult. He maybe on a Gap year but there is still no guarantee that he will continue in further education, as a result he has to be shown how living as an adult works. The OP said he had suggested to his wife that they save what they get from their sons rent to help him out later and frankly that is the correct thing to do if they have a sufficient income to manage their household. ( if he didn't have the income to manage the household asking for rent in this situation would be more than valid) The important thing is OP is thinking of his sons future and his development into adult life
Christos Arvanitis 8 months ago
If he were still a student, then perhaps rent wouldn't make sense, but he is done with school, is actively earning an income and it is unclear if he is going to continue his education. So he is working and, while this apparently isn't a popular opinion, I have no problem charging him rent. Where I live in Boston area, $600 is pretty cheap. I don't expect my position to be popular however :D
Inés Olabarria Smith 8 months ago
Why not talk to the kid and tell him to set aside the money he would need to live on his own so he can learn what the father wants him to learn?
Janelle Collard 8 months ago (edited)
The kid's using more electricity + wifi so I would adjust the rent based on that. He'd still be paying rent, but maybe not $600/month. If sonny-boy isn't taught how to live independently, how will he do it on his own?
Nina 8 months ago
I don't think it would be a bad idea to charge him some rent and save it up for him as a down payment for a house of his own in the future, or college fund if he doesn't have one. If I think back how I was around that age, I'd blow all the money that came in on fun stuff. It would help him if they sat him down for a conversation about being smart with your money as well, 3 k is a lot at that age.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 8 months ago
If that "rent" money is just going to be saved up and given back to the child, WHY even "charge him rent" at all? That will cause resentment (and rightfully so.) Better to have an actual empathetic conversation with the son and tell him to deposit said amount into some sort of account (not his normal checking account) for the same purpose.
Load More Replies... Monica G 8 months ago
I'd ask my son to pay the Wifi, and fund a way for him to learn about taxes fir his earnings.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 8 months ago
WiFi counts as utilities. A child's parents are responsible for the utilities in the home where the child lives. I assume the parents also use the WiFi - why is the minor child suddenly "responsible" for paying for a utility that the other members of the household also use?
Load More Replies... Crystalwitch60 8 months ago
As a mother of two kids I’m 60 n they are 23-20 , both pay me a nominal amount monthly since they were 18 !! N they’ve both worked since they they where 16 , like I did I’m in uk it’s the Norm here ! in fact they pay the same amount I used to at 16 but I left home so 🤷♀️, they pay for their own phone contracts that are in my name cos I get the good deals lmao n it’s all unlimited texts calls , data they choose depending on what they need , I’m housebound out in the sticks , n I agree totally with kids paying their way towards leccy etc in my kids case where can u get a whole house , and bills for like £50 a week ! however , I use the money wisely it’s a bit for leccy n the rest is for them if they run short some times , but it’s vital for kids to learn responsibility, n my eldest earns around 3 k a month working in our Cotswolds village pub , n son is self employed n often works away those weeks he don’t need to give me anything , all the younger parents appear to think they shouldn’
Crystalwitch60 8 months ago
Ask cos they never had to ! There is nothing wrong with it although $600 is a tad steep , that said if he’s using all the electric n internet etc then it pans out nothing wrong what so ever with it !
Load More Replies... Agat 8 months ago
ESH 🤣 The dad shouldn't even think about asking his minor son to pay rent, and the amount is crazy. However, in my opinion the son should suggest giving his parents something each month just to help out with the groceries or bills - it's a very natural thing to do when you start making money. At least that's how it is where I live. I don't *have to* but I *want to*.
Mark Childers 8 months ago
Wow, what a great dad. I hate parents who try to "teach" their kids a "lesson" or "how to be an adult." They'll learn that soon enough on their own. Parents should be supportive and the soft place for their kids to fall, not being one of the things that causes them to fall. Unless they're 30 years old living in the basement refusing to work, let the kid be a kid and stop trying to take a cut of his money. Kids need parents to teach them life skills, not ridiculous "lessons about being an adult" by harming them.
notlikeyou1971 8 months ago
If he lives in the US, by law he's obligated to provide for his minor children until they reach legal adulthood. HES STILL A KID!!! I see this parent as greedy and jealous because his kid is making A LOT of money at a young age at this job instead of some minimum wage job. HE'S NOT IN AN APARTMENT. HE'S AT HOME! He bought his own equipment. Paying his own phone bill , and part of the internet I can see,but rent is unreasonable for a KID who you're obligated to take care of.
Laura Pantazis 8 months ago
NTA - The dad literally said he would take the "rent" money and put it in a special savings account. Given how much the kid is making, that's a great idea. It's weird there are so many Y T A
Lyoness 8 months ago
I paid rent as soon as I started making money. I'd always had part time jobs but for university I had to work full time to afford my tuition and went to school at night. My lovely parents decided that if I had enough money to pay for school, I had enough to pay rent. That lasted 5 months before I moved in with my now partner. I've never forgotten how hard it was to scrape together enough cash to pay them AND buy food AND pay for school AND cover everything else. I lived off ramen and celery with cheese whiz because it was the cheapest food I could think of, and sometimes my mom ate my ramen. I haven't spoken to them in 18 years. There are other reasons for that but the rent really put the last nail in the coffin. I guarantee if his parents charge rent now that kid will be gone the minute he turns 18 and they'll never see him again.
R Dennis 8 months ago
I'm going to say NAH (because the plan was to put it away for them), but I don't like the idea of charging a child rent - it comes off as controlling and could make them feel unwanted. I have my daughter putting 15% into a retirement account and 10% into a savings account. She made this decision after we talked about saving and putting money away to retire early.
Ruth Watry 8 months ago
Parents made us put half of our paycheck into the bank(40 years ago). Account with both of our names on it, and needed both signatures to take money out. Mom and dad never touched the money, and it taught us how to save
LooseSeal's $10 Banana 8 months ago (edited)
It's a parent's job to provide housing for their children. It's also a parent's job to do everything they can to help their children make responsible decisions. It definitely should not be "rent" but having him put 20% of his income into HYSA and investment accounts is a no brainer.
G Bono 8 months ago
Why don’t people read before they accuse OP of cheating on his taxes? He said it just started, so whether he has been claiming his son as a dependent or not, is irrelevant. I wish my parents had made me work and paid rent at 17. Mom wanted to charge me and save it. Dad wanted to charge double and spend it. They didn’t agree, so I paid nothing, but didn’t learn about budgeting or being an adult for many many years
Kathy Brooke 8 months ago
I'd sit down with the kid and discuss two things: one is that the parent is subsidising the business. The kid should be contributing to the power bill and wifi costs. That's part of running a business. Secondly I'd point out that streaming is an ephemeral business and he'd be extremely wise to save a chunk each month.. and I'd offer support to do so. Both these would be supporting the kid into an adult relationship with money. Finally, while I wouldn't ask, I kind of wonder why the kid hasn't offered a small contribution towards his keep. Most households I know the kid would want to - or would buy everyone takeaway now and again as a nice gesture. Seems this family isn't given to acts of kindness.
Jason Kennith 8 months ago (edited)
YTA. He's a minor, legally you cannot charge him for rent or utilities. If you want your kid to have a successful future, let him keep his money and talk to him about saving it up for a rainy day. By charging him, you're making everything harder for him. Do not use him as a labor-free way to make money. You should be proud of him for doing so well.
Multa Nocte 8 months ago
Confused by the title. Is this a gay couple because the original poster says that the WIFE opposes this, but your article title says that the wife is the one asking for rent. Very confusing.
Lyoness 8 months ago
Why does the sexual orientation of the parents matter?
Load More Replies... LakotaWolf (she/her) 8 months ago
He may have finished high school early, but he's still a minor child until he's 18. I took the GED when I was 14 - are you saying that I should have paid rent or moved out because I "wasn't going to school"?
Load More Replies... badger 8 months ago
left high school early & is deciding whether to go to college? I doubt he'll be going to college without finishing HS. also, better check whether any of that income is taxable.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 8 months ago
"Now, he finished high school early" - he FINISHED high school, he didn't drop out.
Load More Replies... kkrq2vk4tm 8 months ago
Parents who charge their kids to live at home are just plain greedy and grasping, if you have bought your kids up right then they will offer to help out freely, both my boys lived at home until in their late 20s both earned very good money not once did I need to ask for anything, they would get round to doing a shop if some large broke down they would either replace it or offer to.. Living at home rent and utilities free gives kids the opportunity to save up for when they move out, if you've raised them right then they will do what's right
Vee Lyons 8 months ago (edited)
What a mean spirited boy, keeping his earnings secret from his parents. "Oh they might want some of my money" - yeah, don't buy your Mom or Dad a nice treat now that you can afford to. When I got my first job I used to bring my mother a small present every payday.
BrownEyedPanda 8 months ago
Having a conversation with his son about saving for his future would teach him about adulting far better than demanding rent, especially when it's 20% of his income. That makes OP look like all of those other parents we read about, who leech off of their kids. A financial advisor, a solid portfolio, and perhaps paying a portion of the electric bill would be wise. But unless his son is an emancipated minor, OP needs to back off, unless he wants trouble via IRS and possibly CPS.
J. Maxx 8 months ago
Okay, pumpkin, I doubt the Dad is an effin' "Boomer" if the kid is 17, so you might want to chill with that s**t. Otherwise, your statement is spot on. The Dad should be helping his son set himself up for the future.
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