Raising a defiant and disrespectful teenager can be incredibly challenging, and parents often have different strategies to address such behavior.
One mother, Heidi Johnson, decided to write a handwritten letter to her son, Aaron, which she later shared on Facebook. Although her initial intention was to keep the post private for friends only, it eventually went viral. Despite the unexpected attention, Johnson stands by her decision to make the letter public.
In her note to her 13-year-old son, Johnson expressed frustration over being treated like a “roommate” rather than a parent. To make her point clear, she provided him with an itemized bill for rent, food, and other expenses, totaling over $700. Her message was simple: if he was going to treat her like a roommate, she would respond in kind.
Johnson signed the note “Love Mom,” a genuine reflection of her affection for her son. She later provided context, addressing the concerns of some parents who criticized her approach. Johnson reassured them, stating, “I am not going to put my 13-year-old on the street if he can’t pay his half of the rent. I’m not asking him to pay anything. I want him to take pride in his home, his space, and appreciate the gifts and blessings we have.”
Johnson emphasized that her intention was never for Aaron to actually pay the bill. Instead, she wanted him to understand “the value of things and what they cost.” The note was meant to help her son grasp “what life would be like if I were not his ‘parent’ but rather a ‘roommate.’ It was a lesson in gratitude and respect from the start.”
Before writing the note, Johnson’s son had lied about completing his homework. When she informed him that she would restrict his internet access, he responded, “Well, I’m making money now.” He was referring to the small income from his YouTube channel, which wasn’t nearly enough to cover food and rent.
The public nature of the note hasn’t damaged Johnson’s relationship with her son. She noted, “He and I still talk as openly as ever. He has apologized multiple times.”
Since sharing the note, Johnson has found that other parents are now seeking her advice. She explained, “My post seems to have opened a door, and people feel safe coming to me for advice, to vent, or just to have someone listen to their experiences. In return, I share a piece of myself with them.”
