‘That’s insane,’ trolls say as mum reveals she charges kids 6, 7 & 9 for rent, bills & food to ‘teach them about money’
A MUM has revealed how she charges her kids money for rent, bills and food, despite them being aged just six, seven and nine.
Samantha Bird shared how each month her three children have to put aside money to pay for expenses in their household.
In a video on her @samanthabirdshiloh account, which has racked up over four million views, the US-based mum said: “We charge our kids rent and utilities.
“Each week they get paid $6 (£4.75).
“One dollar a week is expected to go towards their expenses, we charge them $1 rent, $1 utilities and $1 groceries on the first of each month.
“They track it on their budget trackers and other spending happens after those payments.
“They set that dollar in a separate envelope for utilities and at the beginning of next month we charge them for their bill.”
While some parents weren’t sure about the premise of “charging their kids” for living at home, Samantha explained there is a very good reason why she does so.
The mum continued: “We want them to learn about expenses and bills in a safe environment now.”
Samantha admitted people have “freaked out” at her parenting method and been “mad” at the idea of “simulating paying bills.”
However, she insists it works for them and teaches them valuable life skills.
She said they earn their pocket money through doing chores, and can spend the rest of their money on whatever they please.
One dollar a week is expected to go towards their expenses, we charge them $1 rent, $1 utilities and $1 groceries on the first of each month
Samantha Bird
Samantha added: “We encourage them in all different categories, such as investing, saving, giving and spending.”
She said that many parents have asked her what happens if they don’t pay their bills.
The mum explained: “Nothing because they are children.
“I don’t evict them as many of you suggested, we work with them to make sure that they set aside enough money.
“I try to make learning about money as fun as possible.”
Samantha said she’s started teaching her kids about money within the past year but she’s talked about money with them their whole life.
She insists boys “love” talking about money and they have a 30-minute sit-down chat each week about it and they get a “snack” during the talk.
“This is light-hearted and fun before anything else,” she added.
Her video has split opinions, but lots supported the idea.
One said: “This is a great idea. Girl you need to create a program for these kids.”
Another added: “First I was like wow this is ridiculous then I was like man I wish I learned this at any point of my life.”
However, one wrote: “No need for this. School will teach them all they need to know.”
Another claimed: “They’re too young for this. Chances are they’ll become hyperfixated on money and be over anxious about it. I speak from experience.”