Mom Threatens to Evict Twins

A recent story from Atlanta has garnered attention for its unconventional approach to teaching financial responsibility to children. LaToya Whitfield, a 38-year-old mother, has implemented a mock rent and bill system for her nine-year-old twin daughters, Grace and Autumn. This initiative began when her daughters requested expensive dinners, prompting Whitfield to introduce a play-based financial system. Each week, the twins “pay” $80 in rent, along with $10 for electricity and $5 for Wi-Fi/gas, using play money.
They also face playful “eviction” to a sunroom if they fail to keep up with payments and are fined for untidy rooms. Additionally, they can earn bonuses for good behavior and school performance. Whitfield, who works in HR and runs a T-shirt business, aims to instill values of hard work, budgeting, and independence in her daughters through this practical experience.
I think it’s a great idea! I wish I had learned how to budget at a young age. I still don’t know how!

Lana Backman