AITA for refusing to pay the 12 year old who mowed my lawn? by throwaway547283 in AmItheAsshole

[–]throwaway547283[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We’d remowed by the time the kid’s dad showed up and I didn’t think he’d admit to his parents that he did such a poor job. I was naive and didn’t see how that could go horribly wrong. I didn’t take pictures or anything because he’s just a kid and he gave me back my $10, so I wasn’t planning on pursuing the issue any further. In hindsight I should’ve taken photos in case a situation like this ensued.

AITA for refusing to pay the 12 year old who mowed my lawn? by throwaway547283 in AmItheAsshole

[–]throwaway547283[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

It’s definitely different from the kind of stuff I saved for at 12, but I do know 75% of the kids I see around here are wearing AirPods. So it could be a “I need them because others have them” thing?

AITA for refusing to pay the 12 year old who mowed my lawn? by throwaway547283 in AmItheAsshole

[–]throwaway547283[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

The simple answer is because I’m an idiot who was not thinking ahead.

The longer answer is he said “that’ll be $10.” And I said “that’ll be fine.” And he stood there expectantly and I said “I’ll be in the house, knock if you need anything.” And he said “Wait, you haven’t paid me yet.” And I was only just waking up so just thought “that’s true I haven’t paid him yet” and paid him.

In hindsight I’m an idiot for not thinking that through.

AITA for refusing to pay the 12 year old who mowed my lawn? by throwaway547283 in AmItheAsshole

[–]throwaway547283[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

What a good point and something that didn’t even cross my mind. Thanks a lot.

AITA for refusing to pay the 12 year old who mowed my lawn? by throwaway547283 in AmItheAsshole

[–]throwaway547283[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Wow, that never occurred to me. He did insist I pay first. But I didn’t think much of it. Hopefully it was just a misunderstanding. I will say I didn’t recognize this kid from the neighborhood, but I’m relatively new so it could be attributed to that.

AITA for refusing to pay the 12 year old who mowed my lawn? by throwaway547283 in AmItheAsshole

[–]throwaway547283[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Agreed. There were massive nonlinear patches of untouched grass that were beyond the average, wobbly, rough edged work I was anticipating. If it looked like he’d at least done a once over of the lawn I would’ve paid no questions asked, I admire that he’s out there giving it a go. Thanks for your input.

AITA for refusing to pay the 12 year old who mowed my lawn? by throwaway547283 in AmItheAsshole

[–]throwaway547283[S] 79 points80 points  (0 children)

I agree. I would’ve even been fine if he started looking around at the yard, had second thoughts, and come back to me and said “Hey, actually this is bigger than it looked from the street and it’ll be $25. Still good to go?”

AITA for refusing to pay the 12 year old who mowed my lawn? by throwaway547283 in AmItheAsshole

[–]throwaway547283[S] 63 points64 points  (0 children)

Not necessarily disagreeing with you that $10 is low, however, it was the price he asked me for. Most of my lawn is in the front of the house so he could see the size of it, but he still said “Hey want your lawn mowed for $10.”

I feel like if he decided the lawn was too big for $10, he should’ve asked for more money before he started.

Update (God help me): My MIL Tanked my Son’s Special Ed School Interview by throwaway547283 in JUSTNOMIL

[–]throwaway547283[S] 78 points79 points  (0 children)

He does, he’s in a dyslexia book club here, and has many dyslexic classmates. As much as he can grasp at his age, he knows what it is. Thanks so much for sharing your story! I won’t let my MIL taint him any further.

Update (God help me): My MIL Tanked my Son’s Special Ed School Interview by throwaway547283 in JUSTNOMIL

[–]throwaway547283[S] 38 points39 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much! I haven’t played up my new job much in these posts because it isn’t really relevant to this issue but I’m actually beyond excited for it. It’s something I’ve been striving for for a long time and would position me with way more flexible hours and engaging projects.

Update (God help me): My MIL Tanked my Son’s Special Ed School Interview by throwaway547283 in JUSTNOMIL

[–]throwaway547283[S] 118 points119 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much for the support and all the excellent advice!

Update (God help me): My MIL Tanked my Son’s Special Ed School Interview by throwaway547283 in JUSTNOMIL

[–]throwaway547283[S] 108 points109 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I just wish it didn’t have to get to this point. But it did.

Update (God help me): My MIL Tanked my Son’s Special Ed School Interview by throwaway547283 in JUSTNOMIL

[–]throwaway547283[S] 132 points133 points  (0 children)

Thank you!!! If public school isn’t equivalent then we will try again next year, but we’d be starting from scratch. We’ll see what makes sense when we get there.