A teenage boy named Wesley gets a hard lesson after demanding payment for doing his household chores.
Over dinner, Wesley pushed his plate away. “I’m sick of meatloaf,” he grumbled. His mom, trying to be patient, reminded him of the variety they’ve had recently, but Wesley wasn’t buying it. He rose from the table with a disdainful attitude.

His mother, with a sigh, asked him to rinse and place his plate in the dishwasher. Wesley retorted, “Why should I? I’m not your slave!”
His mother was taken aback, “My slave? How is helping out at home slavery?” Wesley, emboldened by his argument, declared, “You don’t pay me, do you? Work without pay is slavery!”
His father frowned, pointing out all they do for Wesley: providing a home, food, clothing, and an education. Wesley, without missing a beat, responded, “That’s your duty and my right! The law says you have to do it, but I don’t have to do a thing!”
About to burst, Wesley’s mom contained herself as his father remained calm, asking, “How much would you want for doing your chores?” Wesley had it all planned out: $1 for taking out the trash, $2 for washing dishes, $4 for walking the dog, $5 for cleaning his room, and $10 for mowing the lawn.

His father surprised him by agreeing to this new arrangement. “We start tomorrow, OK? I’ll put up a chart with your chores and you fill in what you’ve done. Payment will be every Friday.” Wesley felt triumphant.
A family works together for everyone’s benefit.
Wesley’s mom was nervous about this arrangement, but his dad had a plan. The next day, Wesley was feeling accomplished after marking some chores on the chart his dad put up.

That evening, he found his parents enjoying dinner without him. Shocked, he was informed by his father that if he desired his mother’s cooking, it would come at a cost. That $15 pizza he ordered became a valuable learning experience.
The challenges continued. Breakfast would cost him $6, and even his new team jersey wasn’t covered by his parents anymore. His father, still with a gentle smile, explained, “Now that you’re earning, you’ll cover your own expenses.”

Wesley began to feel the weight of his decisions as each little thing he took for granted now came with a price. Even a ride to school was $5.50. Stressed under this new reality, Wesley understood the value of family support.

One evening, as the delicious aroma of his mom’s cooking filled the air, Wesley approached his parents, ready to talk.

“Mom, dad?” he began quietly, “I’m really sorry about the whole payment thing. I realize now how much you both do for me every day without asking for anything.”
His father, embracing him, treasured this moment as a significant turning point. “In this family, we support and help each other without expecting payment,” his dad shared warmly.

A reinvigorated Wesley learned the most crucial lesson of all: to cherish everything his parents do for him and contribute positively to his family’s well-being. That night, he felt a deep sense of understanding and gratitude at dinner.
Lessons from Wesley’s story remind us: Love is never transactional, and a family’s unity makes life easier for everyone.
Perhaps this real-life tale will inspire others to appreciate and aid one another in their families.