Erika and Cody Archie, a couple from Gatesville, Texas, sparked online debate after revealing they expected their daughter to pay rent once she graduated high school. Known for sharing ranch life on TikTok, the pair posted a video explaining their decision and asking viewers for feedback.
Their daughter, Kylee Deason, graduated in May 2022 and chose not to attend college. By June 1, her father expected her to contribute $200 a month toward rent. Cody explained, “Since Kylee has graduated, I’ve been telling her—June the first, our rent’s due if you continue to live here.” Erika admitted she initially thought her husband could allow more leeway, but she agreed with the lesson in financial responsibility.
The couple reasoned that $200 was affordable, with Cody adding it was “plenty cheap” to live at home. Erika noted that if Kylee wanted to eat from their groceries, she’d need to add $100 more. They emphasized the arrangement was about teaching independence, not making money from their daughter.
The internet, however, was divided. Some criticized the approach as harsh, suggesting compromise to avoid placing financial stress on Kylee. One commenter wrote, “You brought her into this world, so you deal with it.” Others said they would never charge their children rent, believing home should always be free for them.
Supporters countered that $200 was minimal and symbolic, with one person even calling it “too cheap.” Some argued it was about principle—learning to manage expenses early in life. Several commenters also shared they charged their own adult children rent for the same reason.
This debate highlights a broader trend: more young adults are living at home. According to Pew Research Center, by July 2022, half of Americans aged 18–29 lived with one or both parents, a figure influenced by economic challenges and lifestyle shifts.
