Many adults realize that being an adult looks easier from a child’s perspective.
There’s a nice home to live in with things like meals ready and endless internet access. And how those items got there is not as straightforward as a kid might think.
A mother, aiming to show her ungrateful son that “nothing is free,” found a funny way to teach her 13-year-old who wasn’t prepared for adult duties. Keep reading to discover how this mom used a “real life” lesson to guide her son!
In 2015, Heidi Johnson faced challenges with her rebellious 13-year-old son Aaron, who she described as someone who “wants the benefits of growing up without the obligations that come along.”
At that time, Aaron was making a “tiny bit of cash” as a YouTuber and ignored his mom’s requests about finishing his homework. The young troublemaker stormed out of her room and proclaimed he was “a free person” since he was “earning money.”
In response to his actions, the single mother wrote a tough love letter to Aaron and posted it on Facebook; this post has gone viral again after nearly ten years.
“Since you seem to have forgotten you are just 13, I’m your parent, and you won’t be controlled, I guess it’s time for you to learn about independence,” Johnson starts in the “roommate contract.” “As you reminded me you’re making money now it will be simpler for you buy back all the stuff I’ve gotten for you before.”
She continues by saying, “If you’d like your lamps/lightbulbs or internet access, you’ll need to cover your part of the expenses.”
The terms in the letter required Aaron pay rent and bills while also needing him cook his own meals and regularly clean around their home.
Johnson then signs off with “Love, Mom.”
Repossession
The mom living in Venice Italy said when her son spotted the note on his door he crumpled it up tossed it on floor then stormed out.
He just needed some time alone while she took back some items from his room.
Credit: Shutterstock“Once he had time think about what went wrong he asked what could do start earning privileges back,” she said adding later he gathered items from room she missed then after giving them asked what could do earn them again.
“It wasn’t really about him paying me back; it was more so helping him understand what things cost. He quickly realized he couldn’t afford rent utilities or food,” she explains.
People online jumped into comments praising her clever disciplining.
Shutterstock
One user commented ,“Great Job. Nothing here is cruel punishment but will teach him valuable lessons.”
“I know you’re not seeking praise or criticism but I must say as another mom that you’re amazing. You gave your child chance learn grow,” shared another commentor .
“Bravo for acting like parent instead maid,” added yet another.
‘Real world’
Responding users accusing her publicly shaming son Johnson explained she’s “not ashamed” of what wrote.”
“A teenager will push their limits,” she begins. “They’re at stage where one foot steps into adulthood while other stays firmly planted childhood…I can’t send this child off college or work with attitude ‘I’ll get done when feel like’ when boss tells him finish task. That’s real world.”
Johnson adds ,“Nothing comes free. Someone always sacrifices somewhere down line.”
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