Most of us mums know how frustrating it can be to feel like our children are taking us for granted.

While we generally attempt to see things from their perspective and acknowledge our own surly childhood years, sometimes our children require a hard dose of reality - something with which one mother from the States had no problem providing her teenage son.

Despairing over the lack of regard her son, Aaron, shows both his mother and the home they share, Estella put pen to paper and laid bare her feelings on the matter.

Highlighting the money and time required to care and tend for him, Estella suggested her son should now be in a position to contribute in a more significant way.

Referencing a recent argument which took place between the pair, Estella began her letter: "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."

In addition to providing her son with a concise list of the family's financial outgoings, Estella requested her son care for himself in the future.

"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," she wrote. (sic)

Offering Aaron a potential loophole should he choose to avail of it, Estella finished by saying: "If you decide you would rather be my child again instead of a roommate, we can negotiate terms."
 


Posting the letter on Facebook along with the reasoning behind the correspondence, Estella wrote: "The child is going to have a rude awakening today after the words he exchanged with me last night. Not only will he find this on the door, but his mattress stripped, and the toys and clothes that I bought confiscated."

Acknowledging she intends to give Aaron a choice in the matter, she finished: "He will have three options.. Buy his own, rent his clothes at $3 a day, or renegotiate his terms of being a child. Mama’s done playing games and being a doormat."

While some social media users have poured scorn on her attempts and accused of her trying to earn 'brownie points' from fellow parents, other Facebook users commended her efforts and praised her approach.

Drawing on their own experience, one member of the public wrote: "Good for you mom. I’m 65 years old, the 5th child of six. My parents were poor by many standards, but very hard working, honest people. Disrespectful behaviour to our parents simply was not tolerated."

Clarifying her point, she continued: "We were not abused but we knew crossing the line brought consequences. Thank you for loving your son enough to teach him about the real world.”

Grateful for the support but aware of the disparaging remarks levelled at her since the letter's upload, Estella insists her decision to lay some ground rules has not affected the relationship she shares with her son.

"This hasn’t hurt our relationship. He and I still talk as openly as ever. He has apologised multiple times. He even removed some luxuries from his room that I missed. And he is trying harder," she insisted.

What are your thoughts on Estella's letter?

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