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. Are you serious now? He’s nasty, sluggish, and entitled. You’ll reward that?

Smiles continued as Greg reclined. “Relax, Denise. Have a plan. He wants adult treatment? Fine. Show him what it means.”

Tyler returned from football practice sweaty and hungry the following afternoon. He dropped his bag and shouted, “Hey Mom!” What’s dinner?

“Turkey pot pie with sweet potatoes and peas,” Denise said pleasantly from the kitchen.

“Yes!” Tyler yelled. “I’m hungry!”

He instantly filled out the dog walking and room cleaning boxes on the new chore board on the wall. “Nine bucks already,” he whispered content. “I’ll be rich.”

Dinner odors filled the home one hour later. Tyler entered the kitchen anticipating a feast. He watched his parents eating without a plate.

“Mom! You never called!” irritated, he said. “You knew I was hungry!”

Denise smiled politely up. Instead, Greg replied.

Tyler, now that you’re earning money, you’ll need to pay for your own meals. You must pay your mother to cook for you.”

“Paid?” Tyler repeated incredulously. I’m not paying for supper!

“Then I guess you’ll need to order takeout,” Denise teased, laughing.

Tyler walked off and got a big pizza. He spent roughly $20 on tax, delivery, and tip. Later that night, he grimaced while eating his piece. “That’s three days of chores for one meal,” he grumbled.

Smoking bacon greeted him downstairs the following morning.

Brightly, he exclaimed, “Hey Mom.” “Can I have my eggs over easy?”

“Of course,” she answered, offering him a plate. That’ll cost $6.”

Tyler gazed at her. Are you serious?

“Dead serious,” Denise said.

Later that day, Tyler addressed his dad. He remarked, “Hey, so the team needs new jerseys.” They cost $69.99. Coach wants money by Friday.”

Greg raised eyebrows. “Okay. Why are you telling me?

“Because I need your money?”

Greg grinned. Tyler, you claimed you desired independence and compensated job. This covers your own expenses.”

“I don’t have $70!”

“Then you must save.”

Tyler remained dumbfounded. “So… Are you no longer paying?

That’s how grownups do it, right?

Tyler walked away grumbling. “Fine. Can you drive me to school tomorrow? First period quiz.”

“Sure,” Greg answered. “That’s $5.50.”

“You charge me for a ride?”

“Would you pay an Uber?” Greg answered calmly.

“Oh, and Tyler?” Denise shouted from the washing room. Washing and ironing your clothing this week costs $12.50.”

Tyler was furious and went to his room.

Walking to school made him late. He moaned as he ate cafeteria food at lunch and thought of his mom’s mac and cheese and cottage pie. He missed her cooking fragrance and the way the table was usually set when he arrived downstairs.

His parents were seated in the dining room when he entered that night. The table looked tempting. The scent was delicious.

“Mom? Dad?” he whispered.

They glanced up. “Yes?” Greg asks.

“Can we talk?”

“Of course,” Denise answered softly.

Tyler hesitated to speak. “I… I apologize for the money-for-chores issue. I didn’t understand how much you help me daily. You ask nothing in return. I was selfish.”

Greg’s face relaxed. Tyler, we wanted you to understand. Love goes into everything we do—meals, washing, transportation, clothing. Families care for each other.”

Tyler responded, “I know that now,” his voice breaking. Maybe I believed I earned everything without giving back. Really sorry.”

Greg rose and grabbed his son’s shoulder. We all help in this household. Family involves helping each other.”

Denise hugged Tyler and grinned. “How about dinner? I baked your favorite—cottage pie and green beans.”

Tyler’s face shone. “That’s great.”

Dining together, they laughed and spoke. It was their finest evening in a while. Tyler felt lighter—not only because his stomach was full, but because he realized how much love went into every meal, task, and modest sacrifice.

After that, Tyler changed.

Despite not being compensated, he completed his responsibilities to assist. Without protest, he washed his dish, walked the dog, and mowed the grass. So he began assisting his younger sister with arithmetic assignments.

He never demanded money again.

He thanked his mom every time he ate her food.

Because Tyler finally understood what it meant to be part of a family and give and receive love.