Teen Refuses To Make Free Slideshows For His Mom — And The Internet’s Divided Over Whether He’s “Selfish” Or Just Setting Boundaries

Some people don’t recognize a favor, and this mom-son moment turned into a full-on Reddit battlefield fast. A 16-year-old refused to make free slideshow videos for his mom, and the way she reacted made the whole exchange feel awkward from the jump.

It started when his mother walked into the living room and asked, “if i gave you some projects would you do it for me?” She wanted slide show videos with pictures and music. He asked the obvious follow-up, “Will you pay me?” She said no, looked offended, and he tried to explain that school, figure skating, volunteering, driver’s license stuff, editing his own YouTube videos, and even visiting his dad already ate up his time.

Now he’s stuck wondering if he’s being selfish, or if he’s just finally drawing a line.

Her quick refusal — and apparent shock at the question — set the tone for the uncomfortable exchange that followed.

AI-generated image

Original Post

Today my mother came into the living room and asked

"if i gave you some projects would you do it for me?" I (16M) asked "like what?" and she elaborated, saying"like some slide show videos with pictures and music and stuff" I then said "Will you pay me?" and she very quickly said no. She looked shocked and somewhat offended so i explained that with school, figure skating, volunteer work, getting my driver's license, editing my own YouTube videos, going to the library, and visiting my dad i simply didn't have any free time that wasn't for me.at the time I was thinking about the fact that I was already behind on school and my license and that I don't owe her a task like that that she can pay someone else to do but now I'm worried that I'm being selfish and difficult.I feel like it's about time I stop doing whatever she wants for free, especially since I dont have the time but I also worry that I'm doing it all wrong.AITA or am I doing the logical thing?

This age is critical for learning to balance autonomy with familial obligations.

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted.

No_Control8031

YTA.

Fluffy-Promise-8738

When his mom asks for slideshow “projects” in the living room and he immediately asks “like what,” the vibe gets tense before the real argument even starts.

This could mean setting a family meeting to discuss each member's contributions and to express gratitude, fostering a more collaborative environment.

Pretty sure your mom pays for most of the things you mentioned.

Brother-Cane

Okay, but you do have the time.

Embarrassed-Draw109

You shouldn’t expect payment for a favor.

twelvedayslate

The second he asks “Will you pay me?” and she reacts shocked, the disagreement stops being about slideshows and becomes about expectations.

By involving teens in discussions about expectations and limits, families can prevent feelings of entitlement and resentment from arising. This method not only encourages mutual respect but also strengthens family bonds, as children feel heard and valued.

This is similar to the AITA clash over funding mom’s spending habits after the first $5100.

Show some appreciation.

chaserscarlet

No explanation needed.

maybebaebea

She’s your mom!

ZomB-Boy

He lists everything he’s juggling, from figure skating to editing his own YouTube videos, and that’s when Reddit starts picking sides on whether he’s logical or difficult.

This can help parents understand their children's perspectives and adjust their requests accordingly. This dynamic encourages a collaborative family environment where everyone's needs are acknowledged.

It’s called being family.

aliceyeh001

So selfish.

Howzithangin777

Just help your mother.

Dizzy_Army_936

Teaching Financial Literacy

This context applies to the teen's situation, as asking for payment for services can be a valuable lesson in understanding worth. Encouraging discussions about money can empower children to make informed decisions about their labor and contributions in the future.

She won’t be around forever.

Cool_Layer_1190

That’s sarcasm.

DeannaMorgan

Be nice to your mom.

Far_Shop_3135

After the comments roll in with “YTA” and “you do have the time” takes, he’s left thinking he might be the problem for refusing a free task.

As families navigate discussions about responsibilities, it's vital to recognize the impact of societal expectations on interpersonal dynamics.

By understanding these influences, families can work towards creating a more equitable distribution of tasks, respecting each member's contribution. Additionally, seeking feedback from family members about how they feel regarding their roles can lead to more harmonious relationships.

This situation underscores a pivotal moment in the adolescent journey: the quest for autonomy and the establishment of personal boundaries. The teenager’s choice to request payment for creating slideshow videos transcends mere financial compensation; it represents an acknowledgment of his self-worth and the necessity of managing his time effectively in an increasingly demanding environment. The clash between familial expectations and personal aspirations is a familiar struggle for many young individuals. If both the teen and his mother can engage in an open dialogue about these boundaries, it could pave the way for more respectful and understanding family dynamics moving forward.

In this unfolding family drama, the heart of the issue lies in the teenager's struggle to assert his boundaries in a situation that many would deem a simple favor. His refusal to create the requested slideshow highlights a broader conversation about the expectations placed on children by their parents. It's not just about the task of making a video; it's about recognizing that young people must have the right to say no and establish their own limits.

The division in opinions online reflects a deeper societal question: do children owe their parents endless support without consideration of their own needs? By addressing this conflict openly, families can cultivate an atmosphere where each member feels valued and understood. This approach can prevent misunderstandings and foster healthier relationships, ultimately empowering teens to embrace their individuality and self-worth.

Nobody wants to build a slideshow for free when they’re already booked solid.

For more family money drama, see the AITA fight over selling a cherished second car to pay debt. Read: Should I Ask My Husband to Sell His Second Car to Pay Off Debt?