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.”
‘General Hospital’ actor Johnny Wactor passes away at 37 — Grieving mom reveals tragic details
Johnny Wactor, who was most recognized for playing General Hospital’s (GH) Brando Corbin, passed away at the age of 37.
In downtown Los Angeles, Actor was shot and murdered, according to TMZ.
The late actor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, told the news source that her son and his colleagues saw three individuals tinkering with his car. Although Wactor did not approach the men, he was shot before they left the area.
He was taken to the hospital by paramedics who arrived just after three in the morning, when they declared him dead.
Between 2020 and 2022, Wactor made appearances in the ABC daytime soap opera. His character, Brando Corbin, debuted on the show as the presumed-dead son of Gladys (Bonnie Burroughs). After being stabbed by The Hook, Brando eventually passed away and married Sasha (Sofia Mattsson).
Wactor’s associates and acquaintances offered their condolences.Mattsson, who portrayed his on-screen spouse before becoming a widower, revealed that she was “completely heartbroken.”“There was nothing like Johnny.” So sincere. Such compassion. incredibly modest and diligent. with an enormous heart that brought so much happiness and goodwill. He always ensured that anyone in his vicinity felt valued, heard, and seen. I am a better person for having knowing him, and I much admire the man he was. We experienced a great deal of amazing moments together, both on and off screen, and I will always hold them in the highest regard. Johnny, you will be sorely missed. She said on social media, “I’m sure you’re already busy taking care of everyone up there.”
“Honestly, words can’t begin 2 express the sadness with which 2 convey my feelings towards losing another #GH Alum,” William DeVry said of his loss. This loss’s senselessness defies description. Johnny was a really kind man. Really terrible. Many love and comfort to those who loved #JohnnyWactor and RIP.
“Saddened and angered to hear that actor Johnny Wactor was shot and killed by suspects trying to steal his catalytic converter,” TV presenter Frank Buckley said in his eulogy. In 2021, he appeared in a staged reading of one of Elena’s screenplays. He was excellent in the part and incredibly kind. Our sympathies are extended to his family.
Producer and journalist Michael Fairman was one of those who shared their sorrow at Wactor’s untimely death. “This is really hitting me in the gut, as we all are. Right now, my thoughts are with Johnny’s brothers and mother.
Television programs that Wactor starred in included Army Wives (2007), Siberia (2013), Agent X (2015), Fantastic (2016), Animal Kingdom (2016), Hollywood Girl (2010), Training Day (2017), Criminal Minds (2017), Struggling Servers (2017), Age Appropriate (2017), NCIS (2019), The OA (2019), Westworld (2020), The Passenger (2020), Station 19 (2023), and Barbee Rehan (2023).
Johnny expressed gratitude to his supporters for their support and acknowledged their engagement in an Instagram video that has since been removed. Whether they were thrilled or horrified by the death of his character, he thanked them and called them the “greatest” people on the planet for their enthusiasm and support.
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