I see a few possible options to consider. How about an arrangement where the oldest child living at home gets their own room if they pay for it? As for taking money from the 16yo, I think that's fair since he requested an upgrade, but at the same time, maybe mom could set it (all or some) aside without him knowing and then give it to him when he graduates? Or another option, 14M could have the couch while mom and daughter share a room and the two youngest boys share.

Gotta do what you gotta go. It's not an excessive amount of money. The money goes towards family things. The son has bought his privacy (he could be buying fast food, movie tickets or fancy sneakers ...he wants his own room, so that's what he's saving up for). You're not making him pay rent to be a jerk; space is tight. Hopefully he's happy enough, you won't get sick of the pull out couch, and the younger sibs see that work=money and money=choices/opportunity

Until OP can afford a bigger home, you should STFU! It's $50 not $500 that goes back into the family. This mother is doing all she can under the circumstances and I'm certain this mom will get a bigger place as soon as she's able to afford it. Instead of bashing her, why not praise her efforts? There's so many on here that are terrible parents, she's not! I (f) had to share with my brother way longer the her daughter, so pipe down as it's not the end of the world. I raised three daughters alone and being a single parent is already hard enough without being bashed by other mothers. Let's face it, we are terrible (women) for putting down everything about women! We won't/don't champion women that do well in life. We're complete BiTcHeS about each other. All that the YTAs people show is they wouldn't back up a friend in the same situation, but they'd think differently if it was one of their own. Not one thing in this post is a massive concern. Good luck OP! Don't worry about the YTAs

So much blaming a mother for the number of children she has. Nothing in this shows that her children are neglected in any way. Male and female siblings sharing a room is not a new event. It has been happening in families since families began. The way the housing market is they are lucky to have as much space as they do. This is a loving mom doing the best she can and providing for her family. I grew up poor in material possessions but rich in the things that matter and that’s what is happening here. Go Mom!

Looks like someone broke a sewer line and all thr YTA garbage spilled all over the place.

Unless her husband died she is a terrible person for having five kids that she can barely afford. Plus she has terrible friends if they think it's ok she sleeps on the couch so her son can have a bedroom all for himself at no cost.

Who are these fools who don't think kids should work or help pay for the household? It teaches responsibility and budgeting. No wonder kids nowadays don't know how to take care of themselves.

You need to teach your son about priorities, wants vs needs, and how far money really doesn't go. Especially now that he's working, he should be able to comprehend the concept. He wanted to move out on his own but the reality is he isn't an adult and his piddly little job will not afford him that luxury. That's reality and there's no point in sugar coating it for him. There's also zero reason to accommodate him above all others, or for you to be sleeping on the couch. Some people aren't rich and they make do with what they have. When he is an adult he can make his own choices, until then he should be sharing a room just like all the other kids. It doesn't matter what your son thinks or what anyone on the internet thinks. It's too late for opinions anyway, your son needs to learn to be grateful for what he has. If you let him or anyone else make you feel bad for not being able to provide 5 children with their own room in this economy, then YTA.

I was younger of 10 kids you do what you have to mom being 10 and sharing a bedroom with a brother is not going to hurt her. I shared with my brother didn't hurt me. She two young to care right now when she starts puberty hopefully around 13 ,14 that's how old me my sister were the older boy be moved out she can have your room with you. These people who are crying about her not having her own room at 10 have no idea what it's like to struggle to be big family with little money. As long as your kids have you and love all well be good. Keep up good work mom. NAH Ps. get a divider for you daughter/sons room if you feel bad with the $50 off Amazon.

50 dollars is not rent people of the yta