Dad charges his 6-year-old rent—what parents are saying might surprise you
Credit: Tiktok / @michael_talksmoney
A dad calmly asks his daughter for $3 in rent and $1 for utilities, setting the stage for a monthly tradition that’s part parenting lesson, part playful game.
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“Rent’s due.” It’s not something you’d expect to hear from a dad knocking on his 6-year-old daughter’s bedroom door—but that’s exactly what happens in a viral TikTok that’s split parents down the middle. The playful-yet-structured ritual has racked up over 6.4 million views, sparking a heated question: is this clever money education, or a case of growing up too soon?
What’s happening in the video
In the video, the dad collects $3 for rent and $1 for utilities from his 6-year-old daughter each month. But this money exchange is part of a broader system where she earns her allowance by completing chores tracked on a point-based chart. When she earns 25 points or more, she receives a $5 allowance.
The family organizes these transactions using a budget binder, with separate envelopes for rent and utilities to help her visualize household budgeting. As the dad explains, this early introduction to money management is intended to help her develop financial skills she can build on in the future.
By turning the experience into a game, the system helps her learn without pressure.
Related: Here’s how to practice ‘loud budgeting’ with your kids—from a family finance expert
Why gamified lessons might work
Teaching kids through play isn’t just fun—it’s effective. Studies show that gamification, or adding game-like elements to learning, can increase motivation and engagement in children. When kids see chores and money management as a game, they’re more likely to participate willingly and internalize the lessons.
By earning points for completed tasks and exchanging those points for an allowance, the system rewards effort and responsibility without making the experience feel like a punishment. Experts also emphasize that positive reinforcement helps children develop self-regulation and goal-setting skills.
Rather than simply handing money over, this method encourages the child to connect effort with reward, laying a foundation for healthy money habits and a sense of accountability.
Related: What holiday shopping can teach kids about personal finance
Parents are split—here’s what they’re saying
The video’s comment section is a lively microcosm of the broader debate around early financial education—packed with jokes, heartfelt compliments, anecdotes, and a dash of snark.
Some commenters kept things lighthearted and playful:
- Pavel Barber: “Just did this with my son. He refused to pay the rent so I evicted him. We are also earning and learning.”
- SpooferKing: “$3? yall got an extra room?”
- M.f.k.r.7crows: “I’d be taking out loans for snack packs by 7”
Beyond humor, some shared personal stories or heartfelt support:
- CulinaryBozz: “Funny story…. friends did this with their teen. And once the teen grew up, got engaged…. they gave him every dime back so he could put his deposit down on his first home purchase.”
Compliments also poured in from users like:
- Frank Vaccaro415: “It’s actually smart. She learns young. Knows the value of a $. Good smart parenting.”
- Leandra: “As a financial counsellor that deals with young people who are drowning in debt this is absolutely brilliant! she will be financially wise and stable, not getting into credit card debt. Amazing job Dad, don’t know you but I am proud of you 👏❤️😍”
On the flip side, some worry that charging a 6-year-old rent might cross a line—arguing that it puts too much pressure on kids too early.
- TheManAdhem: “I understand the paying the kids for doing chores. My Dad did that with me but paying bills is just annoying. Let her enjoy being a kid. She has the rest of her life to pay bills.”
- Ustamum: “By the time she actually HAS to do this, she will be sooo over it all and will have a weird relationship with money.”
- Tee: “Damn. She gonna pay bills literally her entire life. Like she won’t even get to enjoy being a kid.”
This divide among parents reflects a larger cultural question: How do we balance preparing kids for adulthood without rushing them out of childhood?
What this debate really reflects
The heart of the debate is a universal parenting question: How do we teach real-life skills without stealing the joy of childhood? For some families, early financial lessons feel empowering. For others, they risk turning play into pressure, making money feel like a stressor instead of a tool.
In today’s world, where children face earlier exposure to adult topics—whether through school, social media, or family finances—parents are walking a fine line. The challenge is finding that middle ground: giving kids the skills they’ll need tomorrow while protecting the sense of wonder they deserve today.
Would you try this with your child?
Some see it as a clever way to build resilience and real-world skills. Others see it as a reminder that kids only get to be kids once. Where do you stand? Are you the type to start early—or to protect childhood for as long as you can?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Sources:
- Smart Learning Environments. 2020. “The impact of gamification on students’ learning, engagement and behavior based on their personality traits”
- Kim & Calvert Pediatrics. 2024. “Building Resilience in Children Through Positive Reinforcement”
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