The Cuban TikTok user @soyjorgeelbomberofitness has gone viral on social media after posting a video in which he shows how he teaches his son to earn money through hard work. The recording, which lasts just over two minutes, features the influencer and personal trainer Jorge Rodríguez assigning his son a task in the garden with a reward of 50 dollars. The video has sparked a wave of reactions, surpassing 2,700 comments and 23,000 likes.
“Many will criticize me for this video,” Jorge warns at the beginning. He then explains that his son asked if he could do something to earn 50 dollars, to which he replied, “I have a little job for you that pays 50 pesos.” He then hands him a bucket and takes him to the yard to pull weeds: “Look, what I want you to do, and don’t get confused and pull out a plant... look at all those little weeds... you pull them all out, put them there, and when you’re done, you got fifty dollars.”
With a firm yet affectionate tone, the father concludes: “And this is how children are taught that money doesn’t grow on trees,” and adds: “Many of you are going to say: ‘Man, how abusive you are, with the sun, with the heat,’ but my people, we have to teach our children that money literally doesn’t grow on trees.”
Jorge acknowledges that his son is a good kid, but he insists that these exercises are necessary for shaping character: “My son is an exemplary child, truly he is, but every time he needs money, I come up with something around the house for him to do so that he can earn his little cash and understand the value of money. And you should be doing the same.”
The post sparked a genuine conversation about parenting, values, education, and discipline. Among the more than 2,700 comments, most support Jorge's initiative. Several users agreed that "this is well done, very well done" and that "this is not abuse, this is teaching." Others stated that "work doesn’t kill you, it shapes you" and that "this teaches one to value money and not take it for granted." There were even those who, in a more reflective tone, commented that "by the time you finish and give him the $50, watch that he will think twice before spending it because it wasn’t given to him for free," while others summarized it with phrases like "that’s called principles" or "that’s how you make a good man."
Some shared similar personal experiences. One mother recounted that her son, since he was five, did everything he could to save up and managed to first buy a Nintendo and then a PlayStation. Another user wrote that he was raised with the same philosophy and now teaches his own children in the same way, and they also value hard work. Another comment highlighted: “I did the same with mine, and now they thank me for it.”
Although there were criticisms—some accused him of exploiting the child or using him as content for social media—the majority of responses were supportive. Phrases such as “textbook dad,” “good example,” and “old-fashioned education” were repeatedly mentioned by those who viewed Jorge's teaching as a reflection of values they believe are lost in new generations.
Jorge Rodríguez, based in Tampa, Florida, is no stranger to social media. He is a personal trainer, paramedic, and firefighter. He has over 980,000 followers on TikTok, where he shares tips on training, discipline, motivation, and personal growth. At times, he has gone viral for showing off his Lamborghini Gallardo —which he bought after years of hard work— or for sharing mechanical tips to maintain it.
But this time, its virality did not come from luxury, but from a simple and powerful lesson: money doesn’t fall from the sky and must be earned through hard work
Jorge Rodríguez, as stated in the biography on his official website - was born in Cuba in 1981 and emigrated in 1994 during the special period, crossing the sea with his family on an improvised raft until they were rescued by U.S. Coast Guard and taken to Guantánamo Bay, where they spent nine months as political prisoners. Once in the United States, he faced numerous adaptation challenges, but completed his studies and found in physical exercise a means of personal improvement. He works as a firefighter in Tampa, is a paramedic, and is the father of three children. He is also a bodybuilder, winner of multiple championships in the Classic Physique category, and obtained his Pro Card in 2022. Additionally, he is a nutritionist and a personal trainer certified by the ISSA.
With her community, which is about to reach a million followers on TikTok and has over 560,000 on Instagram, she shares her professional experience with motivation, discipline, and values.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teaching Children the Value of Money
Why did Jorge Rodríguez decide to teach his son the value of money through work?
Jorge Rodríguez believes it is essential for children to learn that money doesn’t grow on trees and that it must be earned through hard work. He assigns tasks to his son so that he learns to appreciate money and develops character and discipline.
What has been the community's reaction on TikTok to Jorge Rodríguez's video?
Most comments on TikTok have been positive, many users have praised Jorge's initiative for teaching important values to his son. Although there have been some criticisms, the support has been overwhelming.
How is this topic related to the context of Cubans abroad?
The teaching of the value of money is a recurring theme among Cubans abroad, who often face economic pressures from their relatives on the island. Many emigrants emphasize the importance of hard work and financial management, similar to what Jorge Rodríguez teaches his son.
What advice does Jorge give to other parents about teaching their children about money?
Jorge advises other parents to instill in their children the importance of earning money through work. He believes that these lessons are crucial for children to understand the true value of money and develop a strong work ethic.
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