Most adults understand that the responsibilities of “adulting” are much more complex than they might seem to a child. Kids often see the benefits—like a comfortable home, food on the table, and unlimited internet—without realizing the effort and sacrifices that go into providing them.

One mother decided to teach her 13-year-old son a lesson about these responsibilities in a humorous yet impactful way. Read on to discover how she used a “real world” approach to discipline her son and impart a valuable life lesson!

In 2015, Heidi Johnson was facing challenges with her defiant son, Aaron, who was just beginning to earn some money as a YouTuber. Feeling empowered by his newfound income, Aaron started disregarding his mom’s instructions, especially when it came to doing his homework. He even declared that he was “a free person” now that he was making money.

In response, the single mother wrote a tough love letter to Aaron and posted it on Facebook. Almost a decade later, the post has gone viral again.

“Since you seem to have forgotten you are only 13, and I’m the parent, and that you won’t be controlled, I guess you will need a lesson in independence,” Johnson wrote in the “roommate contract.” She went on to remind Aaron that since he’s earning money, it would be easier for him to buy back all the things she had provided for him.

She continued, “If you would like your lamps/lightbulbs or access to the internet, you will need to pay your share of the costs.”

The letter outlined that Aaron would need to pay for rent and utilities, cook his own meals, and help with the household chores if he wanted to live independently.

Johnson signed off with, “Love, Mom.”

When Aaron found the note on his door, he crumpled it up, threw it on the floor, and stormed out of the apartment. But after some time to reflect, he came around and asked his mom how he could start re-earning his privileges. He even handed over some additional items from his room that she hadn’t taken yet, eager to get back in her good graces.

“It was never really about making him pay me back,” Johnson explains. “It was about helping him understand the value of things. He quickly realized he couldn’t afford rent, utilities, or food.”

Her creative approach to parenting earned her praise from online users, with many applauding her for teaching her son a valuable lesson.

“Great job. Nothing in the agreement is cruel punishment but will teach him a lesson he will carry through life,” one commenter wrote.

Another added, “You gave your son the opportunity to learn and grow. I think you are amazing.”

A third user said, “Bravo to you for acting like a parent instead of a maid.”

In response to some critics who accused her of publicly shaming her son, Johnson clarified in a follow-up post that she had no regrets about her actions.

“A teenager is going to push their limits,” she explained. “They are in that stage where one foot is stepping into adulthood, while the other is still planted in childhood. I can’t send him into college or the workforce with the attitude of ‘I’ll get to it when I get to it’ when a boss tells him to do something. That’s the real world.”

She added, “Nothing comes free. Someone is always making a sacrifice somewhere.”

What do you think of this mom’s creative parenting style? Share your thoughts with us and spread the word so we can hear from others too!