There is very little a parent wouldn’t do for the well-being of their children. Moms and dads sacrifice time, energy, and comfort every day in hopes of raising respectful, capable adults. Unfortunately, those efforts aren’t always recognized—especially by kids who take everyday care for granted.
One father recently turned to Reddit seeking advice after an incident with his 12-year-old son left him questioning his parenting.
According to the post, the boy became angry and yelled at his mother because she hadn’t done his laundry or ironed his clothes. The father explained that both he and his wife work full-time jobs and share household responsibilities, and his wife simply hadn’t had the time that day.
Seeing his son speak to his mother that way didn’t sit well with him.
The following weekend, while the boy’s mother was away in Mexico with friends, the father decided it was the perfect opportunity to teach his son an important lesson.
First, he showed the boy how to do his own laundry. From that point on, the 12-year-old was responsible for washing his clothes himself. On top of that, the father told him he would help care for his younger brother, which included preparing simple meals and contributing to daily chores around the house.
After just one day, the boy began complaining that it was too much work.
That’s when the father calmly reminded him that his mother does all of those things every single day—while also working full-time.
Instead of reflecting on that, the boy called his grandmother and asked to stay with her for a few days, claiming his father was being unfair and forcing him to do “too much.”
The grandmother then contacted the father, criticizing his parenting and saying that making a child do his own laundry was unnecessary and harsh.
The father responded by pointing out that she herself had used much stricter discipline methods when he was growing up—methods that included physical punishment. At that point, she apologized and agreed to stay out of the situation.
When the story made its way to Reddit, most users sided with the father.
Many argued that learning to do laundry, cook simple meals, and clean up after oneself are essential life skills—not punishments.
“Teaching a child independence isn’t cruelty,” one commenter wrote. “It’s preparation for adulthood.”
Others felt differently, suggesting the father might have pushed too hard.
Some users believed the lesson should have been framed as education rather than discipline, while a few argued that kids should be allowed to “just be kids” without household responsibilities.
One commenter highlighted a deeper concern:
“I think there’s a larger issue here. If your older son has picked up misogynistic attitudes—seeing women as caretakers instead of partners—you need to address that now so your younger son doesn’t follow the same path.”
Another added:
“I don’t think you were wrong, but this should be approached as a genuine learning experience, not just a punishment.”
The post ultimately sparked a broader discussion about parenting, responsibility, and how early children should be taught independence—and respect.
So, was the father too harsh… or was he teaching a lesson his son desperately needed?
