Mom Decides to Pull Her 13-Year-Old Daughter Out of School So She Can Make Money

The online community is divided over a woman's choice to withdraw her teenage daughter from traditional school. While some individuals support her decision, others criticize her, labeling it as irresponsible and detrimental to her daughter's future.

Kat Clark is a social media influencer based in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, with a substantial following of 5.5 million on TikTok and a combined 360.7 million likes on her posts as of December 21, 2023.

The 37-year-old social media influencer has recently disclosed the reasons behind her decision to homeschool her teenage daughter in 2024. Honored as "Creator of the Year" at TikTok's annual awards in 2022, she co-hosts the popular Australian podcast "Basically Besties" alongside her daughter Latisha, 20, for whom Kat maintains a set of strict parenting rules.

Why Is Kat Clark Pulling Her Youngest Daughter Out of Traditional School?

On the podcast "It's All Her" with Jody Lucas in late November 2023, Kat said she loves the support she receives online because she didn't always have that. The TikToker recalled how she fell pregnant at only 16, which led to bullying and sheer criticism. As a teen mom, Kat felt like she didn't fit anywhere and struggled to find her place in the world.

However, she chose to discontinue her studies six months later to pursue her career.

Kat also explained why she's decided to take her youngest daughter out of school. "Traditional schooling worked [for Deja] in primary school because I had a corporate job. Since coming into this new career, there is a lot of traveling involved. I'm often flying to Sydney," she revealed.

"Deja's even starting to get opportunities as well now, so 9-3, Monday to Friday schooling isn't working for us because we've found that we've had to take her out of school quite a bit," stated the Australian influencer. Kat shared that she made the decision to enroll Deja in homeschooling in 2024. Currently, Deja is in her first year of high school.

"We think that's best for [Deja] because we don't want her to miss out on these opportunities. TikTok takes a lot of time. It's just what works for our family," mentioned the mom of two. According to Kat, the timing is ideal as Deja can return to traditional schooling a year later if homeschooling doesn't suit her preferences.

Kat's oldest daughter, Latisha, completed high school and initially entered law school immediately afterward. However, she chose to discontinue her studies six months later to pursue her career.

In discussing her approach to Deja's future, Kat expressed that if Deja aspires to become a doctor or lawyer, she and the family would wholeheartedly support those ambitions. However, as Deja's current goals differ, Kat emphasized their willingness to collaborate with her on whatever path she chooses.

Kat also shared that an important lesson she instilled in her daughters is to "be themselves" and "not to change for anyone." She expressed her enjoyment in working closely with her daughters, describing it as a delightful experience akin to collaborating with her best friends.

Earlier, in a TikTok video posted on November 13, 2023, Kat disclosed that Deja had embarked on her inaugural modeling assignment in Sydney. She conveyed that supporting her daughter's dream felt right, even though it meant Deja would be absent from school. Additionally, Kat highlighted Deja's dislike for school despite being academically proficient.

In the video, Kat remarked, "You guys already know Deja hates school, like she's very smart, but she does not enjoy it at all." The mother expressed, torn between wanting Deja to pursue her dreams and seize opportunities while recognizing the academic sacrifices involved.

Due to these circumstances, Kat explained that their only recourse was to transition Deja from regular school to homeschooling. Kat mentioned instances of bullying at Deja's previous school based on her identity and expressed hope that the homeschooling environment would be more favorable for her daughter.

The Mother's Decision Has Divided Netizens

Kat has divided the online community with her decision to pull her 13-year-old daughter out of regular school. While some fully support her and believe she's doing the right thing, others have criticized her for putting her daughter's future at stake.

"What an irresponsible act," wrote one commenter. "Someone needs to call child services…I thought 'influencing' was on the decline anyway…… She's not going to have a back up plan if she has NO education and a mother also unemployed once they lose all their followers," a second user said.

"Poor child, what about her social skills without mixing with kids her own age even thats just not right pure greed on her mother's behalf, good luck to the child," another person quipped.

Still,some thought it was a good idea. "Her kid will have the last laugh when she hires her former schoolmates who graduated from high school and university to be her personal assistants," expressed one user. "My son is homeschooled I see nothing wrong with this," a second netizen added. "I'll bet she'll learn more useful things homeschooling than she will in regular schooling these days," yet another commenter divulged.

Do you endorse the mother's choice, or do you believe she should reconsider her decision? Here's another story about a mother who was slammed for buying her daughter, 16, a homecoming dress that was too "revealing." Click here to read how she hit back at her haters.