When a Neighbor Broke a Promise to My Son, I Taught Him a Lesson About Fairness…

My neighbor asked my son to shovel snow for $10 a day — then refused to pay him right before Christmas, calling it a “business lesson.” I made sure he learned one too.My neighbor, Mr. Dickinson, had a habit of making sure everyone knew how well he was doing. His driveway always held a new luxury car, and casual conversations somehow turned into stories about investments, deals, and success.

So when he offered my 12-year-old son, Ben, ten dollars every time he shoveled snow, Ben was thrilled. To him, it wasn’t just money — it was independence. He talked nonstop about buying a scarf for me, a small toy for his sister, and maybe saving a little for himself.

Watching his excitement was heartwarming. He took the responsibility seriously, bundling up before school and heading out into the cold with a determination far beyond his age. For weeks, Ben kept his promise.

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