Most adults understand that being a grown- up isn’t as straightforward as it appears to children. Kids might only see the food in the fridge, a cozy home, and unlimited internet, without realizing the effort it takes to maintain these comforts.
One mom decided to give her disrespectful son a humorous yet eye- opening lesson on the realities of life, demonstrating that “nothing comes for free.”
In 2015, Heidi Johnson was grappling with her defiant 13-year-old son, Aaron. She noticed that Aaron “wanted the perks of growing up without the accompanying responsibilities.” Having started to make some money as a YouTuber, Aaron believed he no longer needed to adhere to his mom’s rules, including completing his homework. He even declared himself a “free person” since he was “making money.”
In response to his rebellious attitude, the single mother penned a “tough love” letter to Aaron and shared it on Facebook. Nearly a decade later, her post resurfaced and went viral once again.
Johnson’s note began, “Since you seem to have forgotten that you’re only 13, and I’m the parent, and that you don’t want to be controlled, I guess you need a lesson in independence.” Through what she termed a “roommate contract,” she outlined the rules Aaron would need to follow if he wished to act like an adult.
She continued, “Since you’re earning money now, it should be easier for you to pay back for everything I’ve bought for you.” Johnson added that if Aaron wanted things like his lamp, lightbulbs, or internet access, he’d have to cover his share of the costs.
In her letter, Johnson listed the conditions Aaron would need to meet, including paying for rent and utilities. She also expected him to prepare his own meals and contribute to regular household cleaning.
Johnson signed off the letter with, “Love, Mom.”
Taking Action
Living in Venice, Italy, Johnson shared that when Aaron saw the letter taped to his door, he crumpled it, threw it on the floor, and stormed out of their apartment.
Johnson believed he needed some time to reflect, and she used that period to start reclaiming items from his room.
Once Aaron had the chance to think things over, he approached his mom, asking what he could do to regain his privileges. He even gathered additional items from his room and handed them to her, inquiring how he could earn them back.
Johnson clarified that her intention was never to make him repay her; it was to help him understand the value and cost of things. Aaron soon realized he couldn’t afford rent, utilities, or food on his own.
Online commenters lauded her approach, commending her for her creative disciplinary style. One person wrote, “Great job! Nothing in the agreement is harsh, but it will teach him a lesson he’ll remember.” Another added, “You’re an amazing mom for giving your son a chance to learn and grow.” A third comment praised, “Bravo for being a parent and not just a maid.”
However, some people accused her of publicly shaming her son. In response, Johnson wrote another post stating she was “not ashamed” of her actions.
“A teenager will push their limits,” she explained. “They’re in a stage where they’re stepping into adulthood but still rooted in childhood… I can’t send this child into college or the workforce with an attitude of ‘I’ll get to it when I feel like it’ when a boss asks him to get a job done. That’s how the real world works.”
Johnson concluded by saying, “Nothing in life is free. Somewhere, someone is making a sacrifice.”