Being a parent to a cheeky, disrespectful teenager is no walk in the park. Parents everywhere adopt various strategies to encourage good behavior in their kids.
One mother, Heidi Johnson, decided to put pen to paper and wrote a heartfelt letter to her son, Aaron. Sharing it on Facebook, she had no idea it would gain so much attention. Originally intended for just her friends, the post quickly became public and went viral. Despite this, Johnson stands by her post.
Johnson’s letter, addressed to her 13-year-old son, told him off for treating her like a “roommate.” She then itemized a bill for rent, food, and other expenses totaling over $700. Her message was clear: if he wanted to act like a roommate instead of her son, so would she.
Signing off with “Love, Mom,” Johnson made it clear that this act was out of love. She followed up with another post providing context to the situation. To the parents criticizing her, she assured them, “I am not going to put my 13-year-old on the street if he can’t pay his half of the rent. That’s not the point. I want him to take pride in his home, his space, and value the gifts and blessings we have.”
The aim wasn’t to make Aaron pay the bill. Instead, Johnson wanted him to “understand the cost of things.” The note was to show her son “what life would be like if I was not his ‘parent,’ but rather a ‘roommate.’ It was about teaching him gratitude and respect from the beginning.”
Before writing the note, Aaron had lied about completing his homework. When Johnson decided to limit his internet access, he retorted, “Well, I am making money now.” This income, from his YouTube channel, was minimal and certainly not enough to cover expenses like food and rent.
The viral note has not strained Johnson’s relationship with Aaron. She shared, “He and I still talk openly as ever. He has apologized multiple times.”
Since the note went public, many parents have reached out to Johnson for advice. She mentioned, “My post seems to have opened a door. People feel comfortable seeking advice, venting, or just knowing that someone understands and listens. I’m more than happy to share my experiences and listen to theirs in return.”
