When Your Son Thinks He’s Gordon Ramsay

As an entrepreneur, I’m used to weaving lessons about business into the way I raise my kids. Things like “Never work for free” and “Take pride in your craft” are high on my list of values. But let’s just say my son, who’s training to be a chef, has taken those lessons a bit too literally.

This evening, I asked him to cook dinner. A simple request, right? But no. His response: “I don’t work for free.” Excuse me? I’m the reason you even have access to this kitchen, buddy.

Now, in this situation, you have two options: either you cook dinner yourself (and let him think he’s right), or you decide it’s time for a lesson in the economics of household labor. I chose option two.

After a brief lecture about mutual respect (translation: “You live here for free, pal”), I handed him an invoice. For the laundry I wash and iron, the hours I spend cleaning up his messes, and all the other motherly services he seems to think come with a lifetime subscription. Spoiler alert: the total was steep.

His face? Priceless. Suddenly, he didn’t mind whipping up some spaghetti Bolognese for the family. And yes, I got an extra helping of sauce (that was a little revenge from his part but loved it)

The moral of the story? As both an entrepreneur and a mom, you learn quickly that your principles apply to both roles. You don’t work for free, but reciprocal favors count too. And if you think an invoice won’t get your point across? Try it. Works wonders, especially with teenagers who have big egos and a love for cooking.

So yes, I might have taught my son a business lesson, but he fed all of us. Win-win, right?