A teenage boy named Wesley demands to be paid for his household chores and ends up learning a valuable lesson.

One evening, after dinner, Wesley complained about the meatloaf his mom made, asking for something else. His mom, trying to explain that they had other meals recently, was met with his dismissive attitude. When it was time for him to help clear the table, Wesley refused, claiming he wasn’t a “slave” to his parents.

He argued that since they didn’t pay him for his chores, it was like slavery. His father tried to reason with him, saying they provide for him and it’s their responsibility as parents. Wesley, however, insisted that he didn’t have to do anything in return.

Wesley’s mother was frustrated, but his father, staying calm, agreed to Wesley’s demand: they would pay him for the chores. Wesley eagerly set his rates: $1 for taking out the trash, $2 for washing dishes, and even more for other tasks. His father told him they would start the next day, and Wesley left the conversation feeling confident.

The next day, after school, Wesley was excited to start his “new job.” But when he went to get his dinner, his parents informed him that since he now expected payment for chores, he would need to pay for meals too. Wesley was shocked. His mother reminded him that if he wanted dinner, he’d need to pay for it, or else he could buy his own takeout. Wesley reluctantly spent $15 on pizza, realizing he was going to have to work several days just to afford it.

The next morning, his mom charged him for breakfast, and later, when he asked his father for money for new jerseys, he was told he would have to pay for his own expenses now. Wesley quickly found out how expensive independence could be when he was charged for things that were once free, like rides to school and laundry.

As the days went on, Wesley’s excitement faded. He became frustrated with the costs and the realization that he now had to support himself. Eventually, he approached his parents to apologize, acknowledging the hard work they did for him without expecting payment. His parents shared with him that they did everything out of love and to help the family, not because they had to.

Wesley learned an important lesson: that being a family means supporting each other and doing what’s best for everyone without expecting payment in return. That evening, Wesley enjoyed a warm meal with his parents and vowed to be more appreciative and contribute to the family in his own way.