Fed-Up Mother Writes ‘Tough Love’ Letter To Her 13 Year-Old Son – Parents Everywhere Applaud Her
Estella Havisham is a mother who wrote a letter to her 13-year-old son Aaron that has since gone viral.
Adolescence is tough on everyone, including parents. As their children begin to grow into young adults before their eyes, they often go through some growing pains in the process. Often this includes trying to assert their own independence, but it doesn’t always come out the best way.
After experiencing this with her son, Estella’s teenage son began to believe that he was old enough to make his own rules. This mother wrote a tough love letter reminding her son that he was, in fact, not as adult and independent as he thinks.
The nurturing mother informed Aaron that if he continues to act as if he can make his own rules, she will just start giving him more responsibility. She explained that she will make him pay the bill for her share of the rent, food, and any “maid service” she provided.
The letter was only meant to be shared with friends, but the “public” view button was still active on her account and the “adults are not easy” letter was shared with the world and quickly gained viral status on social media.
Here’s an excerpt from her letter:
“Dear Aaron,
Since you seem to have forgotten that you are only 13 and I’m the parent, and that you won’t be controlled, I guess you will need to learn a lesson in independence. Also, as you threw in my face that you are making money now, it will be easier to buy back all the items I bought for you in the past. If you would like your lamp/lightbulbs or access to the internet, you will need to pay your share of costs: Rent: $430, Electricity: $116, Internet: $21, Food: $150.
Also you will need to empty the trash Mon, Wed & Friday as well as sweep and vacuum those days. You will need to keep your bathroom clean weekly, prepare your own meals and clean up after yourself. If you fail to do so I will charge you a $30 maid fee for every day I have to do it. If you decide you would rather be MY CHILD again instead of a roommate, we can negotiate terms.
Loves, Mom”
The letter has since gone viral, with parents everywhere applauding Estella for her tough love approach to parenting! Though some have said she was too tough on Aaron, Estella isn’t backing down.
Here’s her response:
Why publicly shame him? I’m not. It was an accident. I meant to post to just family and friends; and yesterday I couldn’t figure out why I had over 100 friend request. I actually thought maybe my account got hacked or something. Yes, I could take it down, but so many people have already read and seen it at this point.”
The letter ended up working, as Aaron has since agreed to a new set of rules that he will follow.
“I’m not a bully dictator trying to ‘control’ my child. I am a parent who has every RIGHT to have rules, expectations, and consequences for my child,” Estella concluded.
Do you think Heidi was too hard on her son, or was she right to put her foot down and post her letter online?
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