Mother explains why she charges her 5-year-old rent

Essence Evans says she charges her daughter rent to teach her the value of money. (Facebook)

This is Essence Evans’ daughter, who at five-years-old pays $5 a week rent. What she doesn’t know is that Essence is saving the money in a fund for her daughter to use later in life. (Facebook)

A US-based mom has hit the headlines after she revealed she was charging her five-year-old daughter rent.
Essence Evans explained on Facebook she gave her daughter $7 every week, but charged her $5 rent, utilities and food. That leaves her daughter $2 spending money.
Essence said she was saving the $5 which she will give back once her daughter decides to leave home – to use as rent.
She explained on: “This strategy not only prepares your child for the real world, but when they see how much real bills are they will appreciate you for giving them a huge discount.”
Since her initial posting she has attracted widespread media attention and a lot of support for her parenting methods.
Cee St Vic wrote on Facebook: “You are an awesome young lady!!”
And Johuna Esper added: “To teach a child independence and the value of money and hardwork is the best gift a parent can give to their child.”
But not everyone agrees. Tia Kaulana wrote: “…Let your kid be a kid and enjoy their youth before they have to spend the rest of their life worry about bills.”