A teenage boy named Wesley decides he should get paid for his chores at home, but he quickly learns why that might not be the best idea.
During dinner, Wesley pushes his plate aside in disgust, complaining about having meatloaf again. Ignoring his mother’s list of different meals they’d had recently, he gets up, leaving his dirty dish behind.
His mother gently asks him to rinse his plate and place it in the dishwasher. Wesley’s response is laden with teenage pride: “Why should I? I’m not your slave!”
This declaration leaves his mother speechless while his father calmly explains, “We support you, son. We house, feed, clothe, and educate you.” Wesley sees this as his right, dismissing their efforts.
Price list for chores
Wesley is defiant, insisting if they want his help, there’s got to be compensation. His father, seemingly unbothered, inquires how much Wesley believes his chores should earn him.
Wesley, full of confidence, presents his rate: $1 for taking out the trash, $2 for washing dishes, $4 for walking the dog, $5 for cleaning his room, and $10 for yard work. His mother objects, but his father agrees, thus starting an experiment to teach Wesley a life lesson.
Agreeing to pay, his father sets up a chore chart. Wesley feels victorious, sure he’s about to earn some easy cash.
The next day, eager to see this plan in action, Wesley fills in his accomplished tasks on the chart. However, he’s in for a surprise at dinner time when his parents inform him that he’ll have to start paying for his meals.
Wesley protests, claiming it isn’t fair, but his father maintains the policy sternly but not unkindly. Wesley reluctantly orders a pizza, shocked at how quickly those just-earned dollars slip away.
A Family Learns to Work Together as a Team
When dinner rolls around again, Wesley finds himself digging even deeper into his pocket when his mom charges him for breakfast the next day. Not only is he losing money, but when he asks for new team jerseys for sports, his father suggests paying from his “earnings”.
Realizing the cost of independence, Wesley begins to see the generosity and love implicitly embedded in his parents’ daily care and provision, overshadowed by his initial arrogance.
Facing setbacks like walking to school because he can’t afford dad’s taxi fare, Wesley finally empathizes with his parent’s role in maintaining the family and nurturing him with expectation of nothing in return.
That night, seeking reconciliation, Wesley approaches his parents, admitting he misunderstood the give-and-take of family life. His parents comfort him, explaining that their efforts stem from love, not obligation.
Wesley learns the significance of appreciation and realizes that helping with chores is part of belonging to a family—a lesson that brings joy, humility, and a renewed bond with his parents. This humbling experience teaches Wesley that love is not about payment but about sharing and supporting each other.
From this story, we come to understand the value of family unity and the power of love that binds and supports us without the need for tangible rewards. Wesley’s newfound appreciation for his parents’ tireless efforts becomes an inspiration to everyone, highlighting the importance of working together to maintain a harmonious home.
As the days pass, Wesley settles back into his routine, now willingly helping with chores and grateful for the life lessons exchanged over those tumultuous dinner tables. This gratitude leads to a deepened respect for his parents and a heightened sense of responsibility—marking the journey from youthful rebellion to understanding the true essence of family care.
