Stock photo of teen making content.Photo:Getty
Getty
A teen dad is struggling with how to handle his daughter’s rising star online.
The 48-year-old widower posted on Reddit’sAmITheA—— subredditon Sunday, asking for advice on how to handle his 15-year-old daughter’s success as a social media influencer.
The original poster (OP) went on to explain that after “we went through a family tragedy when my first wife passed away three years ago,” this was proving to be a good outlet for his daughter.
“I believe the dedication to her channels had a major positive impact on my daughter in a difficult time in her life,” he noted, emphasizing his support for her.
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OP found himself surprised that some of these deals “involve SERIOUS money.”
While the arrangement worked well at first, OP said his daughter has been “asking me for more of her money” as she realizes what she’s making.
“I said I’d agree to take a similar amount from her earnings every month so she could complement her allowance, but the bulk of it would still be put away until she turns 18. She thought I wasn’t taking her seriously to propose something like that,” he shared, asking if he’s in the wrong.
“It’s her money. If this were a regular paycheck, would you take her money and put it in an account to ‘keep safe?’ If she doesn’t want you accessing the money and putting it aside for her, then you have no right to do so,” one commenter asserted, adding that the two should “get a lawyer.”
Stock photo of teen working on cell phone.Getty
OP replied to the comment providing more context, explaining, “As a minor, she can’t legally enter into a contract, so I have to be involved. If the money is way above what I consider reasonable for a teenager to manage, I could simply shut it down before the contract is even signed. But I don’t want her to miss these opportunities, and neither does she.”
“That’s why we made this arrangement in the first place. The money comes directly into my account, and I keep records of every single transfer I instantly make to the account that was set in place for her. I also include her in any discussions with the financial advisor,” he explained.
“So yes, it’s her money, and I never took a single penny out of it for my personal use, or to use towards our family. Andthe decision to put it awaycame not only as a measure to keep it safe but also to keep her level-headed and grounded.”
“I don’t believe a teenager should be allowed to access millions or even tens of thousands of dollars; doing so would be giving too much autonomy to someone that still has some learning to do, and it could lead to unhealthy financial habits in the future,” he leveled.
Other commenters agreed with OP, saying, “Handing over control of a massive wad of cash to your daughter on her eighteenth birthday is a disaster waiting to happen. Especially if she has 3+ years of resentment built up. You have to fix the relationship to ensure she doesn’t self-destruct.”
“Maybe you can all take financial literacy courses together. All kids need to understand long-term investing and money management,” the commenter continued. “Your daughter is on her way to being a successful business person. Help launch her. Your other kids need the same info too.”
source: people.com
