A Missouri mother is facing both praise and criticism for allowing her 12-year-old daughter to live in a private apartment above their garage. Audrey Barton believes the setup fosters independence while saving money for her children's future.
A Missouri mother is making headlines for giving her 12-year-old daughter a unique sense of independence by allowing her to live in an apartment above the family garage. Audrey Barton says the setup, which includes a bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom, walk-in closet, and living area, is an investment in Isabella's future. 'It's a feeling of independence without actually having to be independent,' Barton told TODAY.com.
Isabella can only access her apartment through the garage, which is attached to the main house. The space is private enough that her parents can't hear her moving around or talking. 'We wouldn't even know if she was there or not,' Barton said.Barton believes that providing her daughter with this level of independence will pay off in the long run. 'We are not millionaires, but we can create generational wealth by allowing our kids to live with us as long as possible,' she explained in a TikTok video, where she cleans Isabella's apartment. 'In order to do that, they kind of need their own space.' She added that her 8-year-old son Grayson will eventually have an apartment in their basement, which has a separate entrance, and her nearly 1-year-old son Xander can choose between the two spaces.Barton's decision has sparked a range of reactions on social media. Some praised her for providing her children with a head start in life, while others criticized her for 'spoiling' them. 'Having space for your kids when they’re older to not pay rent is AMAZING!!! She will appreciate this so much when she grows up,' one user commented. Another user wrote, '12 year old has an apartment? WTF?' Barton acknowledges that not everyone agrees with her approach, but she stands by her decision. 'I really try to be conscious with my parenting and reflect on whether I am doing things the way I’m supposed to,' she said. 'As my daughter was growing up, I started noticing that she was pulling away and craving independence... She is a pre-teen, so her parents are lame.' By giving Isabella a private space, Barton says, 'We still oversee what she does, but from a distance, so she feels empowered and confident.' The family also enjoys having their home as a gathering place for Isabella and her friends. Barton emphasizes that safety is a top priority. She says the garage and home are locked and security systems are in place. 'I used to be scared of burglars and fire and my anxiety was always rampant. I rarely slept,' Barton said. 'After our house fire, I realized that I was worried and it still happened.' She also notes that Isabella's apartment is connected to the main house and she doesn't have an exit of her own. 'We would know if a boy was upstairs,' Barton said, addressing concerns about boys dropping by. Barton's story is a reminder that there are many different ways to parent and what works for one family may not work for another. She believes that providing her children with a sense of independence, even at a young age, will ultimately benefit them in life
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