When My Son’s Neighbor Tried to Exploit Him, I Taught Both of Them a Lesson They Won’t Forget
When my 12-year-old son Ben eagerly accepted our wealthy neighbor’s offer to shovel snow for $10 a day, he couldn’t wait to use the money for gifts for the family. But when the man refused to pay, claiming it was a “lesson about contracts,” Ben’s heartbreak fueled a much bigger lesson for him—and for the neighbor.
Ben had always been a hardworking kid with a heart full of kindness. At just 12, he already had a work ethic that could humble most adults, and his enthusiasm for helping others was limitless.
It all began on a snowy December morning. I was making breakfast when Ben burst into the kitchen, cheeks red from the cold, eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Mom, Mr. Dickinson said he’ll pay me $10 every time I shovel his driveway!” he said proudly.
Mr. Dickinson, our wealthy neighbor, was known for boasting about his success and luxury lifestyle. I suspected he saw hiring Ben as a charity. But my son was so excited, I couldn’t bring myself to dampen his enthusiasm.
“That’s wonderful, sweetheart,” I said, ruffling his hair. “What are you going to do with the money?”
Ben’s eyes lit up with determination. “I’m buying you a red scarf with snowflakes on it, and a dollhouse for Annie, the one with the working lights! And I’m saving the rest for a telescope to see the stars!”
The thought of his kindness nearly brought tears to my eyes. “You’ve got it all planned out, huh?”
He nodded with a seriousness only a 12-year-old could muster. “I’m going to work hard to make it happen!”
For the next few weeks, Ben was relentless. Every morning, before school, he bundled up and went out to shovel Mr. Dickinson’s long driveway. From the window, I watched as he worked tirelessly. No matter how cold or tired he got, he always came inside beaming with pride.
“Getting faster every day!” he’d say, shaking snow from his coat.
By December 23rd, Ben was only $20 short of his goal. He left that morning humming Christmas carols, eager to finish the job. But an hour later, the door slammed open, and I knew something was wrong.
Ben stood there, pale and tearful, his gloves still clenched tightly in his hands.
“What happened?” I asked, kneeling beside him.
He sniffled and whispered, “Mr. Dickinson said he’s not paying me. He called it a ‘lesson about contracts.’ That I shouldn’t work without one.”
My heart broke. “He said what?”
“He said it’s my fault,” Ben cried. “But, Mom, I worked so hard.”
I pulled him into my arms, my blood boiling. What kind of man cheats a child and calls it a lesson?
“Oh, sweetheart, you didn’t do anything wrong,” I whispered, brushing his hair back. “This is on him. And I’ll make sure he learns a lesson, too.”
I grabbed my coat and stormed across the snow-covered lawn, ringing Dickinson’s doorbell with force.
He appeared moments later, wine glass in hand, his smug grin already in place. “Mrs. Carter,” he said, feigning surprise. “Can I help you?”
“You know why I’m here,” I said coldly. “Ben earned his money fair and square. Pay him.”
He chuckled, swirling his wine. “No contract, no payment. That’s how the real world works.”
The arrogance in his voice nearly sent me over the edge, but I remained calm. “You’re right, Mr. Dickinson. In the real world, people are held accountable for their actions.”
Continue reading on next page…