Heidi Johnson, a mother from Temple, Arizona, understands the importance of creativity, especially when it comes to parenting. So when she noticed her 13-year-old son Aaron was not only being disrespectful but also neglecting his homework, she knew she had to come up with a creative way to teach him a lesson. Aaron had recently started making money from YouTube videos and believed that gave him the freedom to slack off. However, Heidi wasn’t about to let him think he could avoid his responsibilities in their household.

She decided to write him a letter outlining the consequences of his attitude and actions. In it, she reminded him that despite his earnings, he was still a child living under her roof, and if he wanted to act independently, he would need to contribute. She told him that if he didn’t want to do his chores or follow household rules, he could use his YouTube money to pay for his share of household expenses, like rent, internet, and food. The amounts she listed were surprisingly low—$116 for rent, $21 for internet, and $150 for food. In addition to the financial responsibility, she also set out specific household duties for him, such as taking out the trash, cleaning, and preparing his own meals. If he didn’t meet these expectations, he’d face a $30 fee for every task she had to do for him.

Her message was clear: If Aaron wanted to be treated like an adult, he would have to act like one and contribute in practical ways. If not, he could go back to being her child, with all the privileges that came with it. She ended the letter with “Love, Mom” to remind him who was still in charge.

While many people praised Heidi’s tough-love approach, some criticized her for being too harsh. In defense, she explained that her goal was simply to teach her son that nothing comes for free, and someone always has to make sacrifices. What do you think of her method?