We charged our 19-year-old daughter $200-a-month rent to live at home after she decided not to go to college. What’s wrong with that?

A couple residing in Gatesville, Texas, widely recognized for showcasing their ranch life on TikTok, initiated a discussion on parenting by instituting a monthly rent of $200 for their 19-year-old daughter, Kylee Deason, who opted not to pursue college.

Erika and Cody Archie, boasting nearly a million TikTok followers, encountered diverse opinions regarding their resolution. Kylee completed high school in May 2022, and her parents commenced the rent policy within a fortnight.

This decision triggered a division among their social media audience on the optimal method of instilling financial responsibility in children. In the United States, as of July 2022, half of adults aged 18 to 29 were reported to be cohabiting with one or both parents, as per the Pew Research Center.

Cody assumed a more stringent stance, underscoring the significance of Kylee contributing rent following her graduation. Erika, though deeming it somewhat stern, concurred that $200 per month was a reasonable expectation for residing in their parental abode.

Certain viewers endorsed the couple’s choice, drawing from personal encounters and endorsing the notion that non-collegiate children should financially contribute. Alternately, some suggested a reimbursement system, wherein the rent money would be returned to the children later, fostering a sense of responsibility.

On the flip side, opposing perspectives contended against charging children rent, stressing that parenthood is a chosen responsibility, and living at home might be the sole viable alternative. Narratives of unfavorable encounters with parental rent policies surfaced, implying potential resentment and strains in the parent-child dynamic.