After dinner, Alex refused to wash his plate, saying, “I’m not your slave!” I tried to explain that helping out around the house didn’t make him a slave, but he argued that unpaid work was the same as slavery. My husband stepped in, pointing out that we support him by providing shelter, food, clothing, and education. Still, Alex insisted on being paid for his chores. My husband, understanding the lesson Alex needed, asked him how much he thought his work was worth. The next morning, Alex woke up to find an envelope with cash on his nightstand. Pleased with his “win,” he joined us for breakfast, only to be handed a list of additional tasks—washing his own clothes, cleaning his room, taking out the trash, and helping prepare meals. Alex’s smile faded as he realized the full extent of the work involved. “I didn’t know it would be like this!” he exclaimed. My husband calmly explained that if Alex wanted payment, he’d have to take on the responsibility. Alex quickly changed his mind, deciding he’d rather help out without payment. He later admitted he hadn’t realized how much we did. From then on, Alex contributed willingly, occasionally recalling the lesson with a grin.
