Being the parent of an arrogant, disrespectful adolescent is difficult, and parents employ a variety of techniques to correct their children.
A mother on Facebook went by the name of Heidi Johnson and posted a handwritten letter she wrote to her son Aaron. She was unaware that the post would gain a lot of popularity. She didn’t even plan to share the post publicly. She is not regretful that she put it online, even if it was only meant for her friends to see.
In a letter to her 13-year-old son, Johnson reprimanded him for treating her like a “roommate.” She went on to provide him an itemized statement for groceries, rent, and other costs that came to more than $700. If he was going to treat her like a roommate instead of his mother, then so be it.
Johnson signed the note with “Love Mom,” and she really does love her son. In response, she penned a second piece in which she provided additional details about the situation. She made a vow to her criticizing parents, saying, “I will not put my 13-year-old on the streets if he can’t pay his half of the rent.” He doesn’t need to pay me anything. I want him to be proud of his home and surroundings and to appreciate the gifts and privileges we have been given.
She continued by saying that she never intended Aaron to pay for it. Instead, she wished for him to “get a sense of what things cost.” Johnson wrote the email because she wanted her child to understand “what life would look like if I was not his ‘parent,’ but rather a ‘roommate.'” It was an appreciation and manners lesson from the beginning.
Johnson also alleged that her son had lied to her about finishing his homework before she sent the note, and that when she warned him that she would be restricting his internet access, he had responded, “Well, I am making money now.” She explained that the money he was referring to was a meager sum that he was receiving from his YouTube channel—far too little to pay for his rent and daily costs.
Johnson’s public remark hasn’t damaged her bond with her kid. She explained, “He and I still talk as openly as ever.” He has apologized multiple times.
Parents have also asked Johnson for advice after she wrote the note to her child. People feel at ease approaching me for guidance, venting, or even just to have someone bear witness to their experience by listening, being open, and offering a small portion of myself in exchange, as she puts it. My post appears to have opened a door.
