Parenting a haughty, disrespectful adolescent is difficult, and parents employ various techniques to reprimand their children.

Heidi Johnson, a woman, sent a handwritten note to her son Aaron on Facebook. She had no clue the post would become so popular. She had absolutely no intention of making the post public. She is not apologetic for posting it online, despite the fact that she only intended for her friends to view it.

In a letter to her 13-year-old son, Johnson reprimanded him for treating her as if she were a “roommate.” She went on to provide him an itemized account for almost $700 in meals, rent, and other costs. If he were to treat her as a roommate instead of his mother, she would accept it.

Johnson wrote, “Love, Mom,” on the message, and she adores her kid. She responded with a second post, providing further information about the situation. “I am not going to put my 13-year-old on the street if he can’t pay his half of the rent,” she reassured her critical parents. I do not want him to make any payments. I want him to appreciate our blessings and take pride in his home.

She went on to add that she never intended for Aaron to reimburse the fee. Rather, she wanted him to “acquire an understanding of what things cost.” Johnson wanted her child to know “what life would look like if I were not his ‘parent,’ but rather a ‘roommate,'” so she wrote the message. It was from the beginning a lesson in appreciation and civility.

Johnson went on to say that her son lied to her about doing his schoolwork before she wrote the email and that he remarked, “Well, I am making money now,” in response to her threat that she would limit his internet access. She emphasized that the money he was referring to was a small portion of what he earned from his YouTube channel, which was insufficient to meet his rent and food expenditures.

The public declaration has had no negative impact on Johnson’s connection with her son. “He and I still talk as openly as ever,” she explained. He has frequently expressed regret.

Parents have approached Johnson for advice since she sent the message to her child. As she puts it, “People feel at ease coming to me and asking for help, ranting, or simply having someone bear witness to their experience by listening, opening up, and offering a piece of myself in exchange.” My post seems to have created an opportunity.