Most adults know that being a grown-up isn’t as simple as it seems to a child.
Kids might see things like food in the fridge, a comfy home, and unlimited internet, but they often don’t understand the work it takes to have those things. One mom decided to teach her disrespectful son a funny, “real world” lesson to show him that “nothing comes for free.”
In 2015, Heidi Johnson was struggling with her defiant 13-year-old son, Aaron. She explained that Aaron “wanted the benefits of growing up without the responsibility that comes with it.”
Aaron had started making a little bit of money as a YouTuber and thought he didn’t have to follow his mom’s rules about doing his homework. He even stormed out of her room, saying he was a “free person” because he was “making money.”
In response to his behavior, the single mother wrote a “tough love” letter to Aaron and shared it on Facebook. Almost ten years later, her post has gone viral again.
Johnson’s note begins, “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.” In what she called a “roommate contract,” she laid out the rules Aaron would need to follow if he wanted 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 he wanted things like his lamp, lightbulbs, or access to the internet, he’d have to pay his part of the costs.
In her letter, Johnson listed the conditions Aaron would need to follow, including paying for rent and utilities. She also expected him to cook his own meals and help with regular cleaning around the house.
Johnson signed the letter, “Love, Mom.”
Taking Action
Living in Venice, Italy, Johnson shared that when Aaron saw the letter taped to his door, he crumpled it up, threw it on the floor, and stormed out of their apartment.
Johnson felt he just needed some time to think—and she used that time to start taking back some of the things from his room.
Once Aaron had time to think, he asked his mom what he could do to start re-earning his privileges. He even gathered more items from his room and handed them to her, asking how he could earn them back.
Johnson explained that this was never about making him pay her back; it was about teaching him to understand the cost of things. Aaron quickly realized he couldn’t afford rent, utilities, or food on his own.
Online commenters supported her approach, praising her for her creative discipline style. One person wrote, “Great job! Nothing in the agreement is harsh, but it will teach him a lesson he’ll remember.” Another said, “You’re an amazing mom for giving your son a chance to learn and grow.” A third comment added, “Bravo for being a parent and not just a maid.”
Some people accused her of publicly shaming her son. In response, Johnson wrote another post saying she was “not ashamed” of what she did.
“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 ended by saying, “Nothing in life is free. Somewhere, someone is making a sacrifice.”
Heartwarming Moment: Girl Invites Awkward Dad To Dance, Then He Steals The Show
Dancing is a universal form of self-expression that many of us use to mark significant life events and communicate our emotions.
As a matter of fact, a lot of us begin dancing as early as the time we can walk. It’s a simple and enjoyable method to establish connections with ourselves and others.
The father-daughter dance is among the most endearing and poignant dances.
These dances have been cherished customs performed at weddings and other special occasions for many years.
At one of these events, fathers and their kids can have a precious and meaningful moment together.
Jessica Hanley knew just how she wanted her father and daughter to perform a dance.
In the Jewish faith, a girl’s bat mitzvah, or 13th birthday, signifies her official transition into maturity.
Jessica wanted to have a particular moment with her father, Mike Hanley, even though her friends and family were there.
We weren’t disappointed by Mike, who is renowned for his humor. When he was called to the stage for the first time, it might have appeared as though he was simply following the crowd.
But as the dance progressed, it became evident that he had a surprise in store.
Their dance, which demonstrated the deep bond between a father and daughter, was expertly executed.
The audience was enthralled as they joyfully and emotionally danced as a group.
These kinds of occasions serve as a reminder of the power of dance to express love, commemorate life’s significant moments, and create enduring memories.
At Jessica’s bat mitzvah, the father-daughter dance was more than just a routine.
They conveyed their closeness to one another in a heartfelt way, and it was a memory they would always cherish.
Please TAG your loved ones and friends in this fantastic article!
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