Parenting a cocky, disrespectful teenager is challenging, and different parents use various strategies to encourage better behavior.
Heidi Johnson, a mother, wrote a handwritten letter to her son Aaron and shared it on Facebook. She didn’t expect the post to go viral or even become public; it was meant just for friends. Despite this, she doesn’t regret sharing it.
In her letter to her 13-year-old son, Johnson scolded him for treating her like a «roommate.» She then presented him with an itemized bill for rent, food, and other expenses totaling over $700, explaining that if he was going to treat her like a roommate rather than a mother, she would respond in kind.
Johnson signed the note with “Love Mom” and truly loves her son. She later posted an explanation, addressing criticisms from other parents by clarifying, “I am not going to put my 13-year-old on the street if he can’t pay his half of the rent. I am not wanting him to pay anything. I want him to take pride in his home, his space, and appreciate the gifts and blessings we have.”
She emphasized that the bill was not meant to be paid but to help Aaron understand the costs of living. Johnson wrote the note to illustrate what life would be like if she were merely a “roommate” instead of a parent, aiming to teach him gratitude and respect from an early age.
Johnson also explained that before writing the note, her son had lied about his homework. When she said she would restrict his internet access, he replied, “Well, I am making money now.” Johnson clarified that the money he was referring to was a small amount from his YouTube channel, which was insufficient to cover food and rent.
The public note has not affected Johnson’s relationship with her son. She stated, “He and I still talk as openly as ever. He has apologized multiple times.”
Since posting the note to her son, Johnson has had parents reaching out to her for advice. She explains, “My post seems to have opened a door, and people feel comfortable coming to me for advice, venting, or simply having someone listen to their experiences. I’m happy to share a piece of myself in return.”
