Parenting a teenager can be a daunting task, especially when they start to exhibit disrespect and a sense of entitlement. Heidi Johnson, a mother from an undisclosed location, found herself facing this challenge with her 13-year-old son, Aaron. In a bid to teach him a valuable lesson, Johnson penned a handwritten note that has since gone viral on social media.
The note, which was initially intended for her friends to see, reprimanded Aaron for treating her like a “roommate” rather than his mother. Johnson included an itemized bill totaling over $700, which included rent, food, and other expenses. The bill was not meant to be taken literally, but rather to drive home the point that Aaron’s behavior was unacceptable.
Johnson’s approach may have raised some eyebrows, but her intention was not to shame or punish her son. Rather, she wanted to teach him the value of gratitude and respect. As she explained in a follow-up post, “I want him to take pride in his home, his space, and appreciate the gifts and blessings we have.”
The backstory to the note reveals that Aaron had been lying about doing his homework and had become dismissive of his mother’s authority. Johnson’s response was to restrict his internet access, which prompted Aaron to boast about his earnings from his YouTube channel. However, as Johnson pointed out, his income was nowhere near enough to cover the expenses listed in the bill.
Despite the public attention the note has received, Johnson’s relationship with her son remains unchanged. Aaron has apologized for his behavior, and the two continue to communicate openly. Johnson has also received messages from parents seeking advice on how to handle similar situations with their own children.
Johnson’s approach may not be for every parent, but it has certainly sparked a conversation about the importance of teaching gratitude and respect to our children. As Johnson so eloquently put it, “My post seems to have opened a door, and people feel safe coming to me and asking for advice, venting, or even just having someone bear witness to their experience.”
