My husband and I recently decided it was time for our daughters, 20 and 21, to start paying rent. They both have good jobs and we felt they should start contributing to the household. It was tricky at first, trying to figure out a formula. One daughter has a bigger room with a deck and private bathroom. She has her own car. The other has the smaller room, with no deck or bathroom, and she uses one of our cars while she is saving for her own. We agreed they would each pay the same amount.

Their reaction has been less than positive. They can't quite grasp that mom and dad shouldn't have to foot the bill for their long showers, unlimited food supply, using their air conditioners, tumbling their clothes in the dryer rather than ironing and countless other privileges.

We gave them a month's notice to allow the shock to set in. As the deadline grew closer with no checks in sight, I pasted the following on their bedroom doors:

'Rooms for Rent!'

“;Two beautifully furnished, air-conditioned rooms for rent in a large, meticulous, contemporary Kaneohe home, nestled between the Koolau Mountains and Kaneohe Bay. Wonderful view, great neighborhood and just minutes away from the H-3, Pali and Likelike.

“;All utilities included! High-speed Internet; high-definition, wide-screen TV with a Bose surround sound system and a DVR. Home office with multiple networked computers for your personal use. A brand-new front-loading washer and dryer available to care for your clothes, minimizing wear, tear and shrinkage. Endless supply of laundry detergent and fabric softener provided.

“;ALL FOOD INCLUDED! Whatever is in the fridge or cupboards is yours to eat! A hot- and cold-water dispenser, serving home-delivered bottled water is available 24/7 to quench your thirst. Home-cooked meals served about five days a week, including entrees such as steak, barbeque chicken, shrimp, curry chicken, beef stew. The only thing you have to do is rinse your plates and place them in the dishwasher. From there, your dishes will be washed, cleaned and put away, ready for your next meal.

“;One room includes a private bathroom and a large deck. The bathroom to the second room is located down the hallway, and is yours to use exclusively.

“;The smaller room comes with the use of a beautiful, one-of-a-kind, black, sleek sedan for your use to and from work. Vehicle also has Bose speakers to serenade you while driving, and heated seats to soothe your back after a long day of work. Insurance and vehicle maintenance all current. All for the same price as the larger room!

“;Friends welcomed and invited to dine with you should they stop by when the dinner bell rings! You can come and go as you please. Just make sure to lock the door once you get home.

“;Rooms also come with a personal nurse who will take your temperature when you are sick, make you saimin, serve you ginger ale and text you every hour to ask you if you need anything.

“;Rent due by the 10th each month. If check not received by this date, this ad gets posted on Craigslist.”;

This morning, both of their checks were on my desk.

It pays to have a sense of humor!