Wesley, a teenager, complained about his chores, demanding payment from his parents, claiming unpaid work was slavery. His mother, Martha, was outraged, but his father, Rick, calmly agreed to pay him: $1 for trash, $2 for dishes, $4 for walking the dog, $5 for cleaning his room, and $10 for yard work. Wesley felt triumphant, unaware of the lesson awaiting him.
The next day, Wesley learned his parents would charge him for their services: $6 for breakfast, $12.50 for laundry, $5.50 for a ride to school, and more for dinner. A $15 pizza cost three days’ chores, and a $69.99 team jersey was now his responsibility. Stunned, Wesley realized independence was costly. By dinnertime, he apologized, understanding his parents’ efforts were out of love, not duty. They hugged, and he enjoyed his favorite cottage pie, learning to value family teamwork.
Lessons: Love doesn’t demand payment. A family works together to improve everyone’s lives.
