We assumed our 15-year-old son was kidding when he said he wouldn’t perform another duty without pay. After he wrote out a ‘contract’ and brought us an invoice for garbage removal, we recognized he was serious and decided he needed to understand how the real world worked. Tyler sighed as he pushed his supper plate aside.
“I’m so sick of meatloaf,” he muttered. “Can’t you make anything else?”
Angered, his mother Denise glanced up from her dish. Tyler, we had roast chicken yesterday, burgers the day before, and salmon Friday.
You had variety.”
“Yeah, whatever,” Tyler said, leaving the table. “Tyler,” Denise replied, attempting to relax. “Please wash your plate in the dishwasher.”
Tyler turned and smirked in the doorway.
His voice was full with youthful attitude: “Why should I?” “I’m not your servant.”
Denise’s lips fell. “Servant? Are you serious now?
Does housework make you a servant? “You don’t pay me?” Tyler responded smugly. Unpaid work is slavery.
That’s probably illegal.”
Greg, his father, put down his fork and reclined. We back you, son. We shelter, feed, clothe, drive, and sponsor your education.”
“That’s your job,” Tyler said.
Parents are responsible for that. All of it is required by law. No need to do anything.”
Red-faced Denise.
“So we have duties and you have rights? Do you view it that way? Tyler shrugged.
“If you want me to do chores, pay me.”
Greg casually touched Denise’s arm as she rose up to start a fight. “You want to be paid?” he questioned calmly. “Yep,” Tyler answered, chest-puffed.
I seriously considered this. Taking out trash? One dollar.
Dishes? Two. Walking the dog?
Four dollars. Cleaning my room? Five.
Yard labor and mowing? Ten. You’re fortunate I’m not requesting back pay.”
Greg grinned happily as Denise seemed to erupt.
“Alright,” he said. Let’s do it. Our new compensation system is based on tasks completed.
Tyler smiled wider. “Finally! A little respect!”
“We’ll start tomorrow,” Greg replied.
I’ll construct a wall chart. You record your work and get paid every Friday. Seem fair?
“Perfect!” Tyler almost left the room. He didn’t realize he was entering his worst week. After Tyler left, Denise turned to Greg.
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