I gave my 12-year-old daughter her own apartment – I never do her laundry but I DO clean it while she’s at school

A WOMAN who built her 12-year-old daughter her own apartment revealed that she often cleans it for her. While she is encouraging her pre-teen to be independent, the mum-of-three explained that she "enjoys" tidying up the space. In her viral video, TikTok user Audrey Barton (@organizedchaos4) took her followers along as she straightened up the apartment. She revealed that she tidies the place "once every two months" while her daughter takes care of the "day-to-day maintenance".

Audrey explained that the "apartment" is located on the upper floor of the family's garage. The build cost the couple around £20,000 and comes complete with a bathroom, kitchenette, and its own heating and cooling system. While the mum has previously defended her decision to give her daughter such independence, she also shared why she doesn't mind helping clean the space. "My daughter does deserve my help, she keeps it clean 80% of the time, I’m just coming in once in a while to help make sure everything is where it’s supposed to be," Audrey said.

She added that her love language is carrying out acts of service, explaining that she "enjoys" helping out. The TikToker said that her daughter is "grateful" for her help and said coming home from school to a tidy space is "one of her favourite things". And while she is more than happy to help out, the mum revealed that there is one chore she refuses to do for her pre-teen. Audrey revealed that she never does her 12-year-old daughter's laundry for her.

"I feel like it’s really important she learns any clothes she wears, she needs to be responsible for," she explained. She pointed out that this helps prevent her for "willy nilly throwing things out of her closet". Audrey told her audience that this is another way she teaches her child to be independent. TikTok users shared their thoughts on the set-up in the comments section. "The [apartment] had some messes with clutter but the space was clean. She’s definitely learning to take care of it well," wrote one viewer.

Here are some widely recognised methods:. Authoritative Parenting. This technique will often foster independence, self-discipline, and high self-esteem in children. It is often considered the most effective, this technique is where parents set clear expectations - enforcing rules - whilst also showing warmth and support. Authoritarian Parenting. This is opposite to authoritative parenting, as it is where the parent sets high demands but is low on responsiveness.

It involves ensuring the child is obedient and often employ punitive measures. While this can lead to disciplined behaviour, it may also result in lower self-esteem and social skills in children. Permissive Parenting. Permissive parents tend to be indulgent and lenient, often taking on a role more akin to a friend than an authority figure. They are highly responsive but lack demandingness, granting children a lot of freedom. This method can nurture creativity and a free-spirited nature but may also result in poor self-regulation and difficulties with authority.

Uninvolved Parenting. Uninvolved or neglectful parenting is marked by low responsiveness and low demands. Parents in this category offer minimal guidance, nurturing, or attention. This often leaves children feeling neglected, which can have significant negative effects on their emotional and social development. Helicopter Parenting. Helicopter parents are extremely involved and overprotective, frequently micromanaging their children’s lives. Although their goal is to protect and support, this approach can hinder a child's ability to develop independence and problem-solving skills.

Free-Range Parenting. Free-range parenting encourages children to explore and learn from their surroundings with minimal parental interference. This method promotes independence and resilience but requires a safe and supportive environment to be successful. Attachment Parenting. According to Marriage.com, Attachment parenting focuses on physical closeness and emotional bonding, often through practices such as co-sleeping and baby-wearing. This approach aims to create secure attachments and emotional well-being, but demands significant time and emotional commitment from parents.

Each of these parenting techniques has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The key is to find a balanced approach that aligns with the family's values and meets the child's needs for a healthy, happy upbringing. "Her room is so well kept," agreed another impressed follower. "That’s amazing. And you can tell she cleans," commented a third person. "As a child growing up in a family who did no cleaning, well done for teaching those life skills whilst still having her back," said another TikTok user.