Most adults know that being a grown-up isn’t as simple as it seems to a child.
Kids might see things like food in the fridge, a comfy home, and unlimited internet, but they often don’t understand the work it takes to have those things. One mom decided to teach her disrespectful son a funny, “real world” lesson to show him that “nothing comes for free.”
In 2015, Heidi Johnson was struggling with her defiant 13-year-old son, Aaron. She explained that Aaron “wanted the benefits of growing up without the responsibility that comes with it.”
Aaron had started making a little bit of money as a YouTuber and thought he didn’t have to follow his mom’s rules about doing his homework. He even stormed out of her room, saying he was a “free person” because he was “making money.”
In response to his behavior, the single mother wrote a “tough love” letter to Aaron and shared it on Facebook. Almost ten years later, her post has gone viral again.
Johnson’s note begins, “Since you seem to have forgotten that you’re only 13, and I’m the parent, and that you don’t want to be controlled, I guess you need a lesson in independence.” In what she called a “roommate contract,” she laid out the rules Aaron would need to follow if he wanted to act like an adult.
She continued, “Since you’re earning money now, it should be easier for you to pay back for everything I’ve bought for you.” Johnson added that if he wanted things like his lamp, lightbulbs, or access to the internet, he’d have to pay his part of the costs.
In her letter, Johnson listed the conditions Aaron would need to follow, including paying for rent and utilities. She also expected him to cook his own meals and help with regular cleaning around the house.
Johnson signed the letter, “Love, Mom.”
Taking Action
Living in Venice, Italy, Johnson shared that when Aaron saw the letter taped to his door, he crumpled it up, threw it on the floor, and stormed out of their apartment.
Johnson felt he just needed some time to think—and she used that time to start taking back some of the things from his room.
Once Aaron had time to think, he asked his mom what he could do to start re-earning his privileges. He even gathered more items from his room and handed them to her, asking how he could earn them back.
Johnson explained that this was never about making him pay her back; it was about teaching him to understand the cost of things. Aaron quickly realized he couldn’t afford rent, utilities, or food on his own.
Online commenters supported her approach, praising her for her creative discipline style. One person wrote, “Great job! Nothing in the agreement is harsh, but it will teach him a lesson he’ll remember.” Another said, “You’re an amazing mom for giving your son a chance to learn and grow.” A third comment added, “Bravo for being a parent and not just a maid.”
Some people accused her of publicly shaming her son. In response, Johnson wrote another post saying she was “not ashamed” of what she did.
“A teenager will push their limits,” she explained. “They’re in a stage where they’re stepping into adulthood but still rooted in childhood… I can’t send this child into college or the workforce with an attitude of ‘I’ll get to it when I feel like it’ when a boss asks him to get a job done. That’s how the real world works.”
Johnson ended by saying, “Nothing in life is free. Somewhere, someone is making a sacrifice.”
A homeless man found $10,000 that someone had lost and decided to return it to the owner. As a thank-you, he received a reward that he will always remember.
Roberta Hoskie, a successful real estate agent, accidentally dropped a $10,000 check while she was busy working in town. She was carrying so many things that the check slipped out of her hands onto the street.
Later, a homeless man named Elmer Alvarez called Roberta. He had found the check and wanted to return it because he felt it was the right thing to do. Elmer even took the time to search for Roberta’s business name so he could find her phone number.
Roberta was touched by Elmer’s honesty and kindness, reminding her that there are still good-hearted people in the world. She knew she couldn’t let his kindness go unnoticed.
Elmer and Roberta met on a street corner, where Elmer handed back the check to its owner. As Roberta thanked him for his kindness, she discovered the truth—Elmer was homeless, living on the cold streets of Connecticut, one of the coldest places in the U.S. If anyone needed money, it was him.
To show her gratitude, Roberta gave Elmer a check as a reward for his good deed. But that wasn’t the end of it.
Roberta made sure Elmer would have a guaranteed spot in her upcoming real estate training program. She promised to cover the full cost of the course and pay for the English lessons he needed.
But that wasn’t everything!
“He has no idea what’s coming,” Roberta said a few days later, just before she surprised Elmer with a life-changing gift he never expected.
Watch the video below to see how Elmer’s simple act of kindness led to something truly amazing and heartwarming.
Sometimes, it’s those who have the least who give the most, and Elmer is a perfect example of that. Luckily, Elmer’s decision to return the check brought him more than he ever expected.
Getting his own home will completely change his life and give him a fresh start.
The world can often feel harsh and selfish, but this story is a reminder that there are still good people out there! Share it to spread some positivity!
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