Adulting isn’t as simple as kids think, and Heidi Johnson had to teach her defiant 13-year-old son, Aaron, that “nothing comes for free.” Aaron, a young YouTuber earning a little money, refused to do his homework and declared himself a “free person.” In response, Heidi wrote a “roommate contract” and posted it on his door.

The contract demanded Aaron pay for rent, utilities, internet, and even buy back items she had bought him. He’d also have to cook and clean. When Aaron saw it, he crumpled the note and left, but soon he asked how to earn back his privileges.

Heidi explained the lesson wasn’t about money—it was about understanding the cost of independence. Online, many praised her approach, saying it was a creative way to teach responsibility without cruelty.

Heidi defended sharing the letter publicly, emphasizing the importance of preparing teens for the real world, where “nothing comes free” and accountability matters.