Most adults know that the idea of “adulting” seems much easier when seen through the eyes of an inexperienced child — and if you don’t, you should take note.
A cozy home with all the comforts, like food on the table and unlimited internet, might seem effortless. But the reality of how those things are provided is far from simple, as a child might think.
One mother, determined to teach her disrespectful son that “nothing comes for free,” found a clever and humorous way to show her 13-year-old just how much responsibility adulthood entails. Keep reading to discover how this mom gave her son a “real-world” lesson in responsibility!
In 2015, Heidi Johnson was struggling with her rebellious 13-year-old son, Aaron, who she said “wanted all the perks of growing up without the responsibility that comes with it.”
At the time, Aaron was making only a “tiny bit of money” as a YouTuber and refused to follow his mom’s instructions about doing his homework. The young rebel stormed out of her room, declaring that he was “a free person” and “making money.”
In response to his defiance, the single mother wrote a tough-love letter to Aaron and posted it on Facebook. Nearly a decade later, the post has gone viral again.
“Since you seem to have forgotten that you’re only 13 and I’m the parent, and that you won’t be controlled, I guess you need a lesson in independence,” Johnson begins in the “roommate contract.” “Since you’ve pointed out that you’re making money now, it should be easier for you to buy back all the things I’ve purchased for you.”
She continues, “If you want your lamps, lightbulbs, or internet access, you’ll need to cover your share of the costs.”
The note outlined that Aaron was responsible for paying rent and utilities, as well as cooking his own meals and regularly cleaning the house.
Johnson ended the note with, “Love, Mom.”
Repossession
The mother, residing in Venice, Italy, explained that when her son discovered the note on his door, he crumpled it up, threw it on the floor, and stormed out of the apartment.
The son just needed some space to reflect, while she took the opportunity to repossess some of the belongings in his room.
“Once he had some time to reflect on his actions, he asked what he could do to start regaining his privileges,” she said. She added that he later went through his room to collect items she had taken, and after handing them over, he asked how he could begin earning them back.
“It was never about having him repay me; it was more about helping him understand the value of things. He quickly realized that he couldn’t afford rent, utilities, or food,” she explains.
Hey folks! If you’re even remotely curious about the backstory behind this letter, here’s a link to what led up to it…
Posted by Heidi Johnson on Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Online users quickly flooded the comments section of her post, applauding her inventive approach to discipline.
One user commented, “Great job. Nothing in the agreement is harsh punishment, but it will definitely teach him a valuable lesson for life.”
“I know you’re not seeking praise or criticism, but as a fellow mom, I have to say you’re amazing. You gave your son the chance to learn and grow,” said another.
“Bravo for acting like a parent, not a maid,” added a third.
“Real World”
In response to a few critics who accused her of publicly shaming her son, Johnson took to social media again, clarifying that she feels no shame for what she wrote.
“A teenager is going to push their limits,” she explained. “They’re at that stage where one foot is stepping into adulthood while the other is still grounded in childhood… I can’t send this child off to college or the workforce with the attitude of ‘I’ll get to it when I get to it,’ especially when a boss tells him to complete a task. That’s the real world.”
Johnson added, “Nothing comes for free. Someone is making a sacrifice somewhere along the way.”
What do you think of this mom’s unique approach to parenting? Feel free to share your thoughts with us, and then pass the story along so we can hear what others think!
