Parenting a defiant and disrespectful teenager is no walk in the park, and every parent has their own way of addressing the challenges.

Heidi Johnson, a determined mom, decided to handle her 13-year-old son Aaron’s behavior with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach. She wrote him a handwritten letter and initially shared it on Facebook, intending it to be seen only by her friends. To her surprise, the post went viral—but Johnson doesn’t regret sharing it or the unexpected attention it garnered.

In her letter, Johnson called out Aaron for treating her more like a “roommate” than a parent. To drive her point home, she included a detailed bill for rent, food, and other expenses, totaling over $700. Her message was clear: if he wanted to act like an independent adult, she would treat him like one.

Johnson ended her note with “Love, Mom,” a heartfelt reminder of her genuine care for her son. In a follow-up post, she provided context for the situation and addressed criticism from other parents. She reassured them, saying, “I’m not going to throw my 13-year-old out if he can’t pay his half of the rent. I don’t expect him to pay anything. My goal is to help him take pride in his home, respect his space, and appreciate the blessings we have.”

She clarified that the bill wasn’t about actual payment but about teaching Aaron the real cost of living and fostering gratitude. “The note was to show him what life would look like if I were his ‘roommate’ instead of his parent,” she explained. “It was always about instilling respect and appreciation.”

Johnson also revealed the events leading up to the note. Her son had lied about completing his homework, and when she threatened to limit his internet access, he smugly responded, “Well, I’m making money now.” The income he referred to was a small amount earned from his YouTube channel—not nearly enough to cover basic living expenses like food and rent.

Despite the public nature of the note, it hasn’t damaged her relationship with Aaron. “He and I still talk as openly as ever,” Johnson shared. “He’s apologized multiple times.”

Since sharing the note, Johnson has become a source of advice and support for other parents. “The post seems to have opened a door,” she said. “People feel comfortable reaching out for advice, venting, or just having someone listen. I’m happy to share my experiences and connect with others who are navigating the challenges of parenting.”