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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. Snow or no snow, he showed up early, shovel in hand, cheeks red from the cold. Every evening, he carefully wrote down how much he had earned, counting the days until Christmas. I could see his confidence growing — the pride of working hard and seeing results. It felt like one of those simple parenting moments you hope your child remembers forever: effort matters, and honesty is rewarded. At least, that’s what I believed.
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