their getting an income that they've never had before, so it's up to the parent to teach them that it only comes every 2 weeks n they have to learn how to spend wisely. n they have to learn how to properly lie to the GOV to get more.

When they turn 18 n recieve their own income

I say y'all are doing right

Once they are old enough to work and contribute.

once a child reaches his,or her working stage, they should learn how to save and pay bills, Parents has a hard time to bring up a child, especially if the Father is the only wage earner, food, clothing, schooling is not cheap, so once the child is old enough and wants to leave school, then they should be told that they have to try find a job, and depending how much the earn they have to learn to help with the house hold bills, and start bilding a bank account, My first job at 16years of age was $12, so my Dad sat me down and explained how things happen when earning a wage, 1 Banking $3.00, 2 Board $4.00, 3 Train Fair $2.50, and the balance to use as I pleased, As my wages changed according to my age, the amount for banking and board was adjusted, By the time I turned 20 I had enough to get a car, and I fully understood why these rules were made, and helping around the house started a lot earlier especially during school holidays, for all 5 of us kids had the same rules, All kids these days think they own the world, because the Parental Rights have been taken away from them, so they have no idea how to behaveEdited 07-Jul-25 23:29pm

Responsible children become responsible adults who become responsible parents who rear & nurture responsible children. May the circle be unbroken.

YES!!!

Teaches responsibility and independence. My parents did it, and so did I

Don't have kids but my parents threatened to charge me rent when I first started showing the tiniest spark of independence. Did not happen.

When you want to give them the hint to move out, rent is like a tariff on your kids, the quicker you want action, the higher the rent..

When starting work

My son insisted on paying rent when he ended up losing his job and his room in a share house during the pandemic and not wanting to take the vaccine. As soon as he was able to find work here he started to pay his way.

yes as soon as they start working.

18

My mother started charging me when I started earning an income it was mainly to cover food and i had to help at home with shopping, cooking and washing up as well as the ironing and do my own washing. I think that was reasonable and a good reality check about living in the real world.

Neither course of action should be judged as right or wrong. If parents do not want to charge their children for rent, that is their prerogative. The child may have physical or mental issues or have had a financial downturn like a failed business or a nasty divorce. On the other hand, if the parents want to charge rent and the child agrees and has the means to pay, then that arrangement works too.

ive never charged the kids any rent whatsoever

I paid board when I first started working at 16. I left home at age 24 when I bought my first property. Over the years after that they gave it back ten fold. Paying board is the first show of responsibility and helps one be independent. Of course things have changed a lot since the 70's.

I have never charged either of my boys :-)

You are doing what is right for your situation. Yes, as soon as they are able to start making their own money through a paid job, I'd suggest talking with them and making a deal with them. Pay so much for staying there, providing they help out with other things too. They need to learn they can't mooch off of mummy and daddy forever. And if they cant/won't or refuse to pay, even if they do have a job, then as harsh as it sounds, tell them that you can't afford this all by yourselves, and some help would be nice, and if they refuse, they should try to live on their own to see how much it costs. Tough love, is what it is. They may not like you at the moment for saying/doing this, but kids need to learn the hard way sometimes.

When they start working

As soon as you are out working and earning a living you pay your way.

Soon as they have a job or receiving a unemployment benefit

When they start working and getting an income. I charged my son a small amount when he started working and his friend didn't have to pay at his home, so Peter wouldn't pay any. He said that he lost his job and couldn't get government help. After 6 months, I gave up and proved that he was on welfare. I put him out of home. (You may think that I was being very hard but I wouldn't stand having him lying) Now he is a strong, up standing man who takes responsibility. He now lives with me and pays his way.

my parents made me suffer so no I wouldnt do the same

when I started work, I had to pay board and help around the house. If adult children need to come home to live, they should contribute to household chores and help with daily tasks. These days, the cost of living is hard for everyone

no children no comment

AS soon as they get jobs they should be paying board and helping out. It is part of being an adult.

When I started work years ago my father said you will now pay your mother board you are earning a wage and need to pay for what you will eat to help out with the finances. My sisters got the same treatment and so did my friends it was the norm years ago you started work you pay your way. It also teaches kids that you have to do this out in the real world as well. You learn to budget and save too if you want thing as this is the only way you will be able to afford things because once I started work you knew that if you want something you buy it yourself.

well I say if a couple have 2 children and the kids have their boyfriend and girlfriend living their and evweyons working then they all should be paying rent and buying their own food

It’s a personal conversation between family members

How do they become financially responsible if they are not contributing to the cost of living .Helps them to manage their money when it comes time to move out .You are helping your kids to grow into their adult lives. If they have full time work it would be a given to help out . .What happens to those that don't get this experience ?Edited 07-Jul-25 17:45pm

No I wouldn't personally make my kids pay rent but I would expect them to do their own chores and buy their own food that they particularly want otherwise they're stuck with my lackluster cooking, however if they were terrible at saving then I may consider charging board and putting that in a high interest account on their behalf so that they are closer to getting a deposit for their own home. I think it's fine if other people do charge their kids though, especially if their kids are working and theyre not studying, looking after a child or if they're not saving for a house etc.Edited 07-Jul-25 18:05pm

I never charged my boys rent and now im old they look after me

They have a job, they help with the household expenses. They probably eat more than you.

My Mum certainly did that to me, even after my Dad had built me a little 1 bedder in our back garden. Once we had all left home she continued to get a return from renters after Dad died. Finally her nest egg was used to pay for her burial costs.

When they get their first pay.

yes, totally pay agree with paying rent as soon as they get Dole money, most claim for rent anyway. If you're not working and they're not working, it's to big of a draw on the parent to provide for them for FREE.

I have been having this discussion with my daughter regarding my 20 year old grandson. He is unemployed, doesn't help around the house nor contribute in any way. She and I are NOT on the same page about this as I believe that he should be financially contributing to the household costs as it is just he and his mother at home and they DO financially struggle. She is on a DSP and he recieves an Unemployment benefit, they rent a property through Community Housing which saves them at least $100 per week in comparison to other private rentals in their area and he spends the majority of his benefit on alcohol and marijuana. While I understand and sympathise with his mental health condition, which his mother suffers from too, it isn't teaching him ANY responsibility and it is extremely frustrating to me as his Grandma watching him wasting his life. His mother and other siblings had to contribute to the household purse when they were growing up but most of that was used to help them financially later on. But it IS necessary that children don't think that everything in life is free IMO. Thanks for reading.

I would never charge rent but they would have to pay some board. Perhaps help towards ongoing bills like electricity, water, etc. They would also need to buy their own food. It is not a free ride. If you work or get money you contribute fairly. Mums and Dads have done all the hard years and if they are in a position to help then it is up to them but I still feel the adult children should contribute. I started work at 14 and first pay packet of 7 pounds and a few shillings I had to pay 1 pound board. I had to pay for my lunches at work, travel, and we had dry cleaning back then for most clothes, cloths, personal items etc. I never thought anything of it and was happy to give them the money.

It depends on the parents' circumstances. It also depends on whether the kids are acting responsibly and saving for their future. In this day and age, and the cost of everything, it is our way of giving them a helping hand to get on their feet. So, no, we don't charge rent, and they are very appreciative. In discussions with them, we instill our views of budgeting and what it will be like when they do leave home. Two of ours have done their big OE. My kids are welcome to stay at home as long as they like I don't understand parents wishing they would fly the nest. They leave when they feel ready

So: This is a 75 year old question, in my case & judging by the answers others have given it appears nothing has changed, that is, when you start work, which in my case was just before I reached 14 years of age. It made me feel quite proud when I handed Mum the first contribution.

Soon as they graduate and get a job

100% they should be "paying their way" once they start bringing in an income, whether that be a wage or a benefit. Nothing in life is free and they need to learn this as early as possible to prepare them for their future. Any parents that don't teach this to their children are doing them a disservice.

When they have a job, they can start pay board. This helps them contribute to society. Nothing is free in this world. Helps them appreciate an income

As soon as they start working

I think 19-21 should be a good age to charge rent - it might urge them to find a place of their own and be more independent. Don't make it so easy on them that they won't look for a job. They should at least contribute to household chores if nothing else. I found out years later that the small amount of rent I paid for my parents went toward buying my Christmas gifts. :-) Edited 07-Jul-25 15:41pm

only if they are over 18

I think it sounds reasonable if only to give them a sense of responsibility nothing in this world is free they have to learn sometime

When l first started bringing money in my parents asked me to help it didnt harm me,it teaches you how to budget etc

I think as soon as they get a job it's important for them to contribute. It helps them understand that everything costs money and how to budget. I started paying board at 16 and never resented it. And I always helped out around the house.

They should be charged rent/board as soon as they can afford it.

It is good to to contribute to the house and also save money for the future

if they are working they should contribute to help unless they are trying to save money to move out and be more stable next time. If saving money they should keep you informed of the progress they are making and should still help with chores and shopping it is the least they can do

Once children start work and are earning regular income, I think it is good 'education' for them to pay board so they can get the feel of having your own place comes with a lot of "parting with your dollars".

It all depends on parents financial strength

As soon as they get a job.

Hey they have to learn to pay their way sometime why not when they are working and still living at home ….

Congratulations to you. You care about your children and are teaching them how to be prepared for their lives in the future.

What lesson in life are you teaching them if they are living with you and not contributing in some way? No wonder so many of the teens - thirties think they are entitled to whatever they want. Their parents have always treated them that way. Even when I had a Saturday or holiday jobs, I contributed towards the family's bills.

From the very first job at 18 until I was able to buy my own home I paid Mum 1/3 of my Post Tax Fortnightly pay for Full Board. I simply handed over my paypacket, in thos days wages were paid in Cash. Mum took 1/3. Mum asled me to open a Passbook Savings Account with one of the Banks which she held onto. having taken the 1/3 for Board, she put 1/3 into that savings Account,. sho would not give the book to me, the remaining 1/3 I got and if there was any left at the next pay Packet I gave it to her and she put it into those savings. I suspect that Mum and Dad added a bit when they had anything spare but they would never admit it! When I turned 21 - at the time that was when you became an Adult - Mum gave me that Savings Book and I was able to buy my first home for Cash. Why any child who is working and getting paid should think they should not have to pay for, as it was called then, Board and Keep is beyond reason. Just how many years does any child think they have the Right to have their paernts support them? If you want to buy your own home then YOU have to make the savings and not, as we see today, squander all YOUR income on pleasures whilst YOU bludge off Mum and Dad!

If they are working then yes definitely should be paying something because if they were out flatting they would be.

if they are earning need to be paying something to teach how to manage money and life

no rent should be charged but they can help out with the bills and f food shopping.

Depends if you need the funds. By all means they should contribute to food, electricity, gas etc etc .Do what suits your family situation and it's not up to judgement or discussion with your friends.

The three phases of having kids.....firstly you pay them for being there....secondly...nobody charges anybody.....and then they start paying you....and if you don't charge them rent they may never leave home..ever... Edited 07-Jul-25 13:47pm

If they are getting an income, they should be paying board/or rent. This isn't being mean it is teaching them how to survive in life - nothing is for free in life and the sooner they learn this the easier it will be for them to manage their income and expenses ready for LIFE.

Once they have left school and are employed.

I was 15 and working so board was paid. Done some work around the house. Lawn mowing was one.

Yes I have my 24 yr old son still living with he is special needs ,he pays board and has jobs to do around the house and outside while I'm at work with the cost of living going up its helping out alot if he was to go out on his own he wouldn't be able to find anywhere to live due to lack of housing

I think it is right to charge children rent once they are in a working capacity. It does not have to be too large a sum of money. The money that would be accumulated would all be placed into a savings account for them and would be ready for them to use once they decided to move out.

Fair board as soon as they are not studying. Extra for rent as soon as they earn more than 80% of Centrelink payments. Optional that parents could set this aside to help them with home loan - but not provide it to them until actual purchase.

I have 4 children and as soon as they got a full time job they had to pay board just as I had to do. It helps with the household costs but also shows our children that they have to pay their way in the world, nothing is free.

It's depends on the situation

I AGREE EMILY,THEY SHOULD PAY RENT AS SOON AS THEY ARE EMPLOYED, IF THEY MOVE OUT THEY WOULD BE IN FOR A RUDE AWAKENING ONCE THEY FIND ALTERNATE ACCOMODATION

as soon as they start working,teaches them about the real world and nothing is freeyou are doing them no favours by not doing so,even if you keep that money hidden and give it back to them when they leave home to go towards a deposit on their own home but not charging them is just enabling them to sponge from you forever

Never

I think it depends on how much they are earning and how much you are charging them. I think that they should be contributing towards the economic running of the household as well as helping around the house. I don't think it is charging as much as the going rent rate

Ha! If I had have known that they would have me paying the utilities to stay with them I would have charged them rent as soon as they went to work! Don't think that your children wouldn't charge you. I used to wouldn't have thought it, but they sure will.

I don't think that you're mean. You're just doing what you think is fair and right. Me, on the other hand, find that the kid is in some difficulty and he/she doesn't need any more hassles.

We don't charge our child any rent but we ought to,

No idea

My rule for mine is that if they are studying full time no rent, if they arent studying they pay rent

Dont have kids so cant comment

Yes if possible

I am 56yrs old and my parents did the same to me when I moved back in you should it teaches responsibility as if they lived somewhere else they would have to pay

Hanno, have a fun time on site..!!!

When they’re earning more than you are! 😹

If they have good grades in university i wont. If they quit, find a job i will. I'll save "their" money for a home later in life. It's our job to help them after this crazy inflation over the past 5-6 years. They never asked to be there so it's our responsibility.

My mother never charge me rent when I lived at home. And now that she is 93 and I'm looking after her...I don't charge her rent either. It works both ways people...think about it!

ty Black Lives Matter

Yes,once they are working...

Never you WILL get it all back.

Not mean at all. How are they going to budget,pay their own bills if they have no concept of paying their own way.Do as you will,I prefer to teach my children from a young age about needs and wants,the cost of living and the value of contributing together as a family. My eldest works full time he pays his board, electricity and has a savings plan as well as a budget. My youngest just started getting his students allowance,we worked out a budget together where he pays a small portion to the house,pays his own phone/ internet and saves a little. He also has to factor in travel costs,school expenses,personal items etc. We did this from the start so he could get used to living on a smaller income,rather than just spending all his payment . I want him to be as independent as possible,learning good financial habits supports this.

When they have a permanent job. We charged our daughter board, which we saved (never told her!) and gave it to her so she could use it as towards a deposit on a house. She was very grateful

once they start work then YES

At their first paying job.

we charged our kids rent when they started work. then we put some of it in an account for them and it paid for things when they moved out, like bond for a rental or some furniture ect.

hi again Hanno, have a great time playing

They need to contribute. If they can pay modest rent and still save, great. They definitely need to help out, at a minimum.