A teenage boy demands payment from his parents for doing chores, only to learn a tough lesson about responsibility and family.
After pushing his plate away, Wesley complained, “I’m tired of meatloaf. Can’t you make something else?” His mother, a bit offended, reminded him of the meals they’d had recently. Wesley dismissed her and got up from the table.
His mother asked him to rinse his plate and put it in the dishwasher. Wesley replied arrogantly, “Why should I? I’m not your slave!”
“How does helping out make you a slave?” his mother asked in disbelief.
“Because you don’t pay me! Work without pay is slavery,” Wesley argued proudly.
His dad stepped in, “We provide for you—we feed you, clothe you, and educate you.”
Wesley shot back, “That’s your duty and my right. But I don’t have to do anything!”
His mother challenged him, “So you have rights but no duties? What about helping out with chores?”
Wesley repeated confidently, “I’m not your slave. If you want me to do chores, you need to pay me.”
His mom was about to react, but his dad calmly asked, “How much would you want for your chores?”
Wesley named prices: $1 for trash, $2 for dishes, $4 for walking the dog, $5 for cleaning his room, $10 for yard work—and joked he could ask for back pay.
His mom protested, but his dad agreed, “Fine, we’ll pay you. You’re a man now, and we’ll treat you that way.”
Wesley puffed up with pride, unaware that a hard lesson was coming.
The next day, after practice, Wesley was hungry and asked what was for dinner. His mom smiled and named the meal. Wesley happily marked chores on a chart his dad had put up, thinking he was already making money.
But when he asked for dinner, his parents said, “Since you earn money now, you’ll have to pay for your meals.” Wesley was shocked and refused. His mom suggested he order takeout, which cost him $15 plus fees—he realized independence was expensive.
The next morning at breakfast, his mom charged him $6 for eggs and bacon, which frustrated him.
When Wesley asked his dad for money to buy new team jerseys, his dad said he had to pay for his own expenses, including clothes, from his chore earnings. Wesley was stunned.
Later, his dad charged him $5.50 for a ride to school, and his mom said washing his clothes would cost $12.50.
At school, Wesley missed his mom’s cooking and felt the weight of supporting himself.
That night, feeling low, Wesley apologized to his parents. He admitted he hadn’t appreciated all they did for him.
His parents reassured him it was done out of love, not obligation.
They embraced, and his mom offered to make his favorite dinner.
Wesley spent a warm evening with them, having learned a valuable lesson about gratitude, family support, and sharing responsibility.