Mom Makes Her 7-Year-Old Daughter ‘Pay Bills’ To Teach Her The Value Of Money, Sparking Fierce Parenting Debate

Teaching kids the value of money is an important thing. It doesn’t matter how many times we repeat to ourselves that money isn’t the most important thing in the world; in reality, our survival does depend on it. So to avoid seeing your kids making financial mistakes, it’s great to start at a young age.

A mom on TikTok, whose user name is @feliciaraefarley, is doing just that. In a video, she shared her tactics of giving her daughter a weekly salary and then taking money for bills, which she actually puts back in her daughter’s savings so that her daughter will see how savings work and learn the value of money. However, not everyone liked this idea and people had mixed reactions.

More info: TikTok

This mom on TikTok shared her parenting hack to teach children the value of money

Mom Makes Her 7-Year-Old Daughter 'Pay Bills' To Teach Her The Value Of Money, Sparking Fierce Parenting Debate

Image credits: feliciaraefarley

The TikTok user @feliciaraefarley goes by Felicia and she is a mom. On her account, she shares her parenting experiences, inspiration, and just everyday thoughts. One of her videos really blew up. It currently has 7 million views and was liked by 1.7 million people. In this video, Felicia shares a tip on how to teach your children to value money.

The mom gives her daughter chores and pays a salary for them, from which she takes a part for bills

Mom Makes Her 7-Year-Old Daughter 'Pay Bills' To Teach Her The Value Of Money, Sparking Fierce Parenting Debate

Image credits: feliciaraefarley

Felicia explains that she has some daily chores for her daughter and if those chores are completed every day, the child will get paid $7 at the end of the week. However, the daughter has to pay bills: $5 in total for food, water, electricity, internet, and rent. The she has $2 left and can do anything she wants with them.

A lot of people in the comments were interested to know what kind of chores the mom gives to her daughter and in a different video, Felicia showed an example. She said that she searches for age-appropriate chores on Pinterest and interchanges them so that it won’t get boring to do them.

Felicia searches age-appropriate chores on Pinterest and interchanges them to not be repetitive

Mom Makes Her 7-Year-Old Daughter 'Pay Bills' To Teach Her The Value Of Money, Sparking Fierce Parenting Debate

Image credits: The Crafting Chicks

There are benefits of paying your children to do chores. It surely teaches them financial responsibility without any real consequences yet. They also learn the relationship between money and labor. Of course, it makes them more motivated to do the chores which then can become habits.

But children may get the wrong idea that every task or duty they do must be rewarded. They may not do those tasks if they think they don’t need more money or they still have some saved up. So paying children for doing small things around the house should be more educational rather than only about the money.

Mom Makes Her 7-Year-Old Daughter 'Pay Bills' To Teach Her The Value Of Money, Sparking Fierce Parenting Debate

Image credits: feliciaraefarley

People in the comments were concerned what happens if the daughter doesn’t do the chores and if there’s some kind of punishment. Felicia makes a video clarifying that it’s not the case at all and the weekly ‘salary’ isn’t that serious. The daughter just doesn’t get paid for that chore.

The mom was surprised how people could think that she doesn’t take care of her child if she misses a day of chores. Felicia reassures her viewers that she stills buys things for her child and she doesn’t live off $2 a week.

Also, she mentions a couple of times that her daughter loves doing the chores and they don’t take her even 15 minutes to do. Those $2 are just something extra to have of her own and learn the value of money at the same time.

Mom Makes Her 7-Year-Old Daughter 'Pay Bills' To Teach Her The Value Of Money, Sparking Fierce Parenting Debate

Image credits: feliciaraefarley

The money she takes for bills go to savings and the daughter will get all the money when she turns 18

Mom Makes Her 7-Year-Old Daughter 'Pay Bills' To Teach Her The Value Of Money, Sparking Fierce Parenting Debate

Image credits: feliciaraefarley

But the thing that made people change their minds and love this idea is that the $5 for ‘bills’ actually goes into savings and the daughter will be given all the money she earned when she turns 18.

Felicia mentioned in the comments that she started giving chores and paying for them when her daughter was 5, so she has been saving up for her daughter for 2 years now. If we do the math and assume that the kid doesn’t miss any days, she will get more than $3,000 for her 18th birthday.

@feliciaraefarleythey just don’t teach this stuff anymore ##mothersofchaos ##momlife ##momthings ##parentinghack ♬ Aesthetic Girl – Yusei

Video credits: feliciaraefarley

Commentators’ opinions were divided; however, the majority were praising the mother for teaching budgeting from a young age. The ones that were doubting this method of teaching were of the opinion that it’s too early for a 7-year-old to be thinking about bills. Do you have an opinion on this topic? Share it in the comments!

Many agreed that the mom’s idea was great, but there was a significant number of people who were skeptical

Mom Makes Her 7-Year-Old Daughter 'Pay Bills' To Teach Her The Value Of Money, Sparking Fierce Parenting Debate

Having started as a content creator that made articles for Bored Panda from scratch I climbed my way up to being and editor and then had team lead responsibilities added as well. So it was a pretty natural transition from writing articles and titles as well as preparing the visual part for the articles to making sure others are doing those same tasks as I did before well, answering their questions and guiding them when needed. Eventually I realized editing gives me the most enjoyment and I'm focusing only on that right now.

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What do you think ?

POST

CanidaeVulpes 3 years ago

Board Panda seems to be getting overrun by Reddit AITA and TikTok parenting “hacks”.

41points

J Rob 3 years ago

Amen!

2points

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Stille20 3 years ago

Chores are good, but I'm not convinced taking $5 for bills is teaching the child anything of value.... maybe teaching her to save would be better because it is accurate to what is actually happening.

21points

Fred L. 3 years ago

Looking at the chores list - expecting a 2y to dust and a 12y to iron ... you don´t like your stuff, do you?

17points

lenka 3 years ago (edited)

2 year olds love to help with dusting. I could iron at 12.

9points

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Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 3 years ago

I could probably iron at 12. (Never did it though, I was busy cleaning the entire kitchen with my brother)

3points

Ivy Ruonakoski 3 years ago

Hell, I'm 43 and I don't even iron!

0points

Sophia Graubart 3 years ago

What about letting a 7 year old meal prep! I learned, with my mother, at around 8, how to make pancakes on the stove with supervision. 7! alone!

0points

Easily Excitable Panda 3 years ago

I'm amazed that she has chores for such young children, especially during the terrible twos! And is she saying that kids have to do the WHOLE list, or that parents should pick and choose?

6points

Blue (they/them) 3 years ago

I think that parents should pick and choose, but switch it up every few weeks if you can.

8points

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lenka 3 years ago

She said she mixes it up and the kids doesnt spend more than 15 minutes per day on chores. Read the article. The list are just suggestions of age appropriate chores.

4points

Leo Domitrix 3 years ago

OP said she picks and chooses and changes it up so it's never boring.

2points

Johnny 3 years ago

To the lady that said "It's kind of sad that she thinks she has to earn things like food and water", unless they have a trust from from their parents, everyone has to earn things like food and water.

4points

Ivy Ruonakoski 3 years ago

But not age 7, IMO.

0points

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Leah Pheonix 3 years ago

You need to let kids me kids. They shouldn't have to worry about earning basic human needs before they turn 12.

4points

lenka 3 years ago

Learning basic human needs begins much earlier than 12. This is not just about doing chores, this is about learning how to manage money and how to look after yourself so that you grow into a capable and independant human being. As parents, we really want you to succeed. The children here are not doing every thing on the list every day - the list is a suggestion of age appropriate chores. If you go back and read it again you will see that the mother mixes the chores up and they dont take any longer than 15 minutes for the child to so its really not a case of the mother slacking off. (Although as a teen, I remember accusing my mother of the same thing. lol) and there is plenty of play time. My kids also contribute 15 minutes a day to household chores. They get pocket money every week for thier contribution. They also spend hours and hours in the park playing with their friends, on the switch, playing lego, riding thier bikes and just generally being kids.

6points

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Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 3 years ago

I would say 8.

-1point

Leah Pheonix 3 years ago

Also I'm not even 15 yet, mowing the lawn just seems to dangerous. Plus, these are too many chores to do daily. The 12 year old is cooking and cleaning and doing the dishes and mind you what is the adult doing? Slacking around watching tv? Kids arent your personal slaves to do absolutely everything.

-1point

Franc Esca 3 years ago

Well they don't teach you money management in schools. I think this is a simple raising awareness exercise

3points

Chillace 3 years ago

This is genius! I wish I had this growing up.

3points

Kiki 3 years ago

same that is great that it goes into a savings account for when she turns 18 then she will feel so rewarded about her own hard work

5points

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Jro308 3 years ago

I tried doing something similar with my son when he was young, not the bills but just paying him for chores hoping it would help motivate him to do the chores, he decided it wasn't worth the money!

2points

Stille20 3 years ago

...does it teach her the value of money when all things cost the same amount and she has no way to alter her income and spending by making strategic decisions? She can't work more or less or take on a roommate or change apartments or give up television to save that bill.

2points

Bettie-Jean Neal 3 years ago

I had regular chores as a kid. But at age 11, I wanted a Gucci handbag so badly it hurt. So my mom said she's pay me $20/week to vacuum the entire house (must be able to see vacuum lines and furniture had to be moved) and dust the entire house (moving every figurine and statue, etc.). It took a long time, but I think within 4 months I had enough to buy the bag as they were cheaper in 1981.

2points

Shelp 3 years ago

Well, she looks exactly like someone who would come up with that idea

1point

Holly Allen 3 years ago

We're still learning as we go but our daughter has weekly chores that she is required to do before she can watch TV. Anything extra she does around the house that is not on her chore list she gets paid. So far she is learning that she doesn't get paid doing things that we should all be doing around the house and if she wants something extra that we are not already providing for her she has to work for it. Seems to be working for her. I think the next step now is to teach her how to budget. I've been showing my simple spreadsheet and how we budget. Her eyes went huge when she saw how much it costs just to live.

1point

Alayna Gill 3 years ago

My parents bought a phone for me and I have to pay the bill at a young age.

1point

Inclusion2020 3 years ago

I like the concept, but kids should not be led to think that parents providing food, water, and housing is something that they have to earn. Rather than paying "bills", I'd do local research with my child to find local events he is interested in. Then we'd look at the price and figure out a savings plan that fits the timeline and maybe even make a little line graph so he/she can see and celebrate their progress towards their goal. No actual kids yet, but I am a Special Ed teacher.

1point

Rissie 3 years ago

This exactly. A child has no choice. They can't just find a new set of parents if the game doesn't appeal to them. Money is surrogacy in the actual trade. In a home the trade doesn't exist. Parents choose to put you on this planet and are obliged to love you and take care of you. Taking care does include learning household tasks and responsibilities. But that's the other way around. Kids help out to learn for themselves. Not to make the job easier on parents.

1point

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Remy Ellis 3 years ago

You could also get your kid(s) Greenlight card(s). They're basically debit cards for young children. The parent and child both download the app on their phone or other mobile device, and the child can see the amount of money she has, transfer money to savings, sort money into different categories (any restaurant, any shop, any gas station, etc.), and the child can make savings goals, too. The child can even donate to charity and invest! The parent can give or take money to/from the child, gets notifications about their child's activity, and can set allowances and chores to earn money, plus chores they need to do regularly!

1point

Chenandoa 3 years ago (edited)

This is a great idea! Someone complained about kids "shouldn't feel they have to pay for food and water". Umm, then what is the little bill every month from City Hall? Or the little tag under that bag a of rice, or loaf of bread at the grocery store? Or even under the spring water at that store? If she is accustomed to not getting to use ALL of her earned money for toys and stuff, she will find it way easier to accept and stick to a budget as an adult.

1point

Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 3 years ago

I mean, it is, but not at 7. The child should start doing basic chores then, but not for money.

-1point

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Sakuhana 3 years ago

...Won't that teach the kid that nothing is free, therefor when anyone asks her for anything she won't do it unless she gets paid?

0points

Diptimaya Parida 3 years ago

I Know there are hard times for all of us. I was researching a lot and Found Some Helpful Resources. I might be able to help you https://linktr.ee/Your_gift

0points

Kashmir 3 years ago

It's never a good idea to tie chores to money!! Big no no!

0points

L 3 years ago

You don’t get paid to do your own chores as an adult you just have to do them

0points

Sarcastic Safeena 3 years ago

all fine, but babysitting your siblings shouldn't be your job

0points

Maria Rodriguez 3 years ago

Horrible

0points

The Chosen One 3 years ago

Nice, I don't get paid for chores but I think I should so unlike some people who didn't get paid for chores I'm glad she does.

0points

OoNijNoO 3 years ago

This makes me wonder whether that kid will do anything for free later in life...

-1point

Ileana Sky Aviles 3 years ago

I was raised exactly like this but it somehow backfired spectacularly. I put money on savings (and future funeral expenses) but after I spend everything else with the madness of a deprived piranha.

-1point

Huh 3 years ago

Some of these chores seem kinda extreme for the age... I don't think two year olds should clean silverware and I don't think a 5 year old should spend most their day doing "chores" so they can have food and water. Some of these are dangerous, especially unsupervised, like taking in mail, mowing the lawn, and ironing.

-2points

lenka 3 years ago

You give a two year a spoon and a cloth and let rub the spoons. How is that not age appropriate? Two year olds LOVE to help and they LOVE to learn. If you read it, she also said the kids spends not more than 15 minutes per day - not even close to "most of thier day" and no-where does it say she would withhold food and water for failure to do chores.

5points

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Leigh C. 3 years ago

That kid going to think that when parents pay bills the money is being horded. Kid is going to realize it's going to the services and not an account.

-3points

Frankenfrog 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

James the aimless scroller 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

HooowlAtTheMoon 3 years ago

No one said we were giving newborns chores.

3points

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POST

CanidaeVulpes 3 years ago

Board Panda seems to be getting overrun by Reddit AITA and TikTok parenting “hacks”.

41points

J Rob 3 years ago

Amen!

2points

Load More Replies...

Stille20 3 years ago

Chores are good, but I'm not convinced taking $5 for bills is teaching the child anything of value.... maybe teaching her to save would be better because it is accurate to what is actually happening.

21points

Fred L. 3 years ago

Looking at the chores list - expecting a 2y to dust and a 12y to iron ... you don´t like your stuff, do you?

17points

lenka 3 years ago (edited)

2 year olds love to help with dusting. I could iron at 12.

9points

Load More Replies...

Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 3 years ago

I could probably iron at 12. (Never did it though, I was busy cleaning the entire kitchen with my brother)

3points

Ivy Ruonakoski 3 years ago

Hell, I'm 43 and I don't even iron!

0points

Sophia Graubart 3 years ago

What about letting a 7 year old meal prep! I learned, with my mother, at around 8, how to make pancakes on the stove with supervision. 7! alone!

0points

Easily Excitable Panda 3 years ago

I'm amazed that she has chores for such young children, especially during the terrible twos! And is she saying that kids have to do the WHOLE list, or that parents should pick and choose?

6points

Blue (they/them) 3 years ago

I think that parents should pick and choose, but switch it up every few weeks if you can.

8points

Load More Replies...

lenka 3 years ago

She said she mixes it up and the kids doesnt spend more than 15 minutes per day on chores. Read the article. The list are just suggestions of age appropriate chores.

4points

Leo Domitrix 3 years ago

OP said she picks and chooses and changes it up so it's never boring.

2points

Johnny 3 years ago

To the lady that said "It's kind of sad that she thinks she has to earn things like food and water", unless they have a trust from from their parents, everyone has to earn things like food and water.

4points

Ivy Ruonakoski 3 years ago

But not age 7, IMO.

0points

Load More Replies...

Leah Pheonix 3 years ago

You need to let kids me kids. They shouldn't have to worry about earning basic human needs before they turn 12.

4points

lenka 3 years ago

6points

Load More Replies...

Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 3 years ago

I would say 8.

-1point

Leah Pheonix 3 years ago

-1point

Franc Esca 3 years ago

Well they don't teach you money management in schools. I think this is a simple raising awareness exercise

3points

Chillace 3 years ago

This is genius! I wish I had this growing up.

3points

Kiki 3 years ago

same that is great that it goes into a savings account for when she turns 18 then she will feel so rewarded about her own hard work

5points

Load More Replies...

Jro308 3 years ago

I tried doing something similar with my son when he was young, not the bills but just paying him for chores hoping it would help motivate him to do the chores, he decided it wasn't worth the money!

2points

Stille20 3 years ago

2points

Bettie-Jean Neal 3 years ago

2points

Shelp 3 years ago

Well, she looks exactly like someone who would come up with that idea

1point

Holly Allen 3 years ago

1point

Alayna Gill 3 years ago

My parents bought a phone for me and I have to pay the bill at a young age.

1point

Inclusion2020 3 years ago

1point

Rissie 3 years ago

1point

Load More Replies...

Remy Ellis 3 years ago

1point

Chenandoa 3 years ago (edited)

1point

Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 3 years ago

I mean, it is, but not at 7. The child should start doing basic chores then, but not for money.

-1point

Load More Replies...

Sakuhana 3 years ago

...Won't that teach the kid that nothing is free, therefor when anyone asks her for anything she won't do it unless she gets paid?

0points

Diptimaya Parida 3 years ago

I Know there are hard times for all of us. I was researching a lot and Found Some Helpful Resources. I might be able to help you https://linktr.ee/Your_gift

0points

Kashmir 3 years ago

It's never a good idea to tie chores to money!! Big no no!

0points

L 3 years ago

You don’t get paid to do your own chores as an adult you just have to do them

0points

Sarcastic Safeena 3 years ago

all fine, but babysitting your siblings shouldn't be your job

0points

Maria Rodriguez 3 years ago

Horrible

0points

The Chosen One 3 years ago

Nice, I don't get paid for chores but I think I should so unlike some people who didn't get paid for chores I'm glad she does.

0points

OoNijNoO 3 years ago

This makes me wonder whether that kid will do anything for free later in life...

-1point

Ileana Sky Aviles 3 years ago

I was raised exactly like this but it somehow backfired spectacularly. I put money on savings (and future funeral expenses) but after I spend everything else with the madness of a deprived piranha.

-1point

Huh 3 years ago

-2points

lenka 3 years ago

5points

Load More Replies...

Leigh C. 3 years ago

That kid going to think that when parents pay bills the money is being horded. Kid is going to realize it's going to the services and not an account.

-3points

Frankenfrog 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

James the aimless scroller 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

HooowlAtTheMoon 3 years ago

No one said we were giving newborns chores.

3points

Load More Replies...

Mom Makes Her 7-Year-Old Daughter ‘Pay Bills’ To Teach Her The Value Of Money, Sparking Fierce Parenting Debate

This mom on TikTok shared her parenting hack to teach children the value of money

The mom gives her daughter chores and pays a salary for them, from which she takes a part for bills

Felicia searches age-appropriate chores on Pinterest and interchanges them to not be repetitive

The money she takes for bills go to savings and the daughter will get all the money when she turns 18

Many agreed that the mom’s idea was great, but there was a significant number of people who were skeptical

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Jurgita Dominauskaitė

Jurgita Dominauskaitė