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The original was posted on /r/aitah by /u/missoularedhead on 2023-07-07 01:51:44+00:00.

I’m the mom of two teens, 14 and 15. I’ve asked them to do things around the house to help out, like take out the trash, empty the dishwasher, keep their shared bathroom somewhat clean, and occasionally other chores/help. Nothing particularly difficult. And anything outside of basic chores, I often offer to pay them.

In the last couple of days, they’ve asked me to get them specific items at the store, fix clothing, give them extra money to go do something with friends, etc.

Now onto the possible AH behavior on my part:

Their dad is out of town for work, and his birthday is next week. We’ve been talking for a while about getting the back porch fixed up. I found a killer deal on some furniture, and I asked them today to help me put stuff in the garage so I could get started getting things set up. Both kids said they would, and then immediately went poof, one to a friend’s house, and the other to her room. And it’s not like I’ve asked once — I asked multiple times, and they said they would. Now it’s 9 pm and nothing’s been done.

I’m thinking that for the next week, when they ask if I will drive them somewhere, give them extra money, pick up this or that, will be met with ‘no.’ But I kind of feel like I’m the adult here, and shouldn’t be so petty. But maybe they need a lesson in not taking me for granted?

TL; DR: my kids make a lot of demands on me, but vanish when I ask for help, and I’m thinking of returning the favor.