Talking points: Should you ever have to pay rent to your parents?

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Compiled by Sam Gusway
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Compiled by Sam Gusway |
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Snehaa Senthamilselvan Easwari, 15, South Island School

I think that 18 is the perfect age, because you're considered an adult and it's time that you start being responsible. As an 18-year-old, you may not be able to pay the full rent, but any extra cash/pocket money you have saved should be given to your parents. Apart from showing that you are a responsible person, it's a great way to express your gratitude to your parents for all they've done for you. It will also give you a great sense of personal satisfaction.

Vivian Tsang Lok-yi, 18, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School

We should be able to live at home rent-free forever. This is because parents should share everything they have with their children. But, as a daughter, I feel we should help our parents when they grow old. We should do the household chores, provide for them, spend time with them, and make sure they live a comfortable life.

They took care of us all our lives so we should treat them well in their old age. It's the right thing to do.

Jea Chan Ho-ying, 14, Pui Ying Secondary School

We should not be able to live at home rent-free forever. This is because our parents spent a lot of time and effort looking after us when we were small. Once we have grown up and matured, we should no longer rely on them.

So I believe children should start paying rent when they are around 20 years old. By this time, they should be independent and be earning some money to "repay" what they owe their parents. Then they will be happy for the rest of their lives.

Titus To Cheuk-lam, 16, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary

There is an old Chinese saying: "The tree wants to stand still but the wind doesn't stop; the children want to support their parents but they are gone (dead)." Parents are precious. When children have grown up and are earning money, they should pay the rent and help their parents with the housework.

Parents have devoted almost their entire adult lives to raise their children. Mainly thanks to their parents, children become responsible and knowledgeable adults. Paying rent is the least they could do. It will help ease their parents' burden.

Andrew Larm, 18, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School

In my view, a child should not pay the rent but contribute to running the home. For example, they could split the household bills with their parents and help out with the chores.

I cannot give any money to my parents because I am still a Form Six student. Therefore, I always help my mum with things such as cooking, washing clothes and cleaning.

We should show that we care about our parents and are grateful for everything they have done for us.

Tell us what you think in the comment box below.

You're welcome to join the conversation. In our next Talking Points, we'll discuss:

Until the government decides to build more shelters, where can homeless people spend their nights?
 

We are now accepting answers from readers for this new topic. To take part, email your answer with your name, age and school, along with a nice, clear selfie (make sure it's not blurry), to [email protected] by Monday lunchtime next week.

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