That’s the number of miles I estimate I put on my vehicle running the children to and from their summer recreation program this year. That doesn’t include going to the games both home and away. Since I get about 30 miles per gallon of gas and gas averaged $3.00 per gallon, it cost around $54 or about $9.00 per child in transportation fees on top of the registration fees.
I only bring this up as evidence because my children have decided that I can’t afford their services.
I’m not a proponent of paying children an allowance to do housework and chores around our home. I believe that they should simply work out of the goodness of their hearts and in order to be an active member of our team. No one pays me to wash dishes or prepare meals so why should I teach my children that they are rewarded financially for picking up the used kleenex from the floor when they missed the half court shot made from the dishwasher to the trash can. That’s why when the topic of “All my friends get paid allowance” came up, I immediately transformed into a mattorney, a mother who has sworn to uphold the family laws.
“We have the right to earn a living wage.”
“Jake and Max’s mom pays them $5.00 a week and all they have to do is make their beds!”
“None of my friends have to work as much as I do.”
“Isn’t there a law against child labor?”
I had a full blown mutiny on my hands.
“Ok, you guys. Let me ask you a question. Do you believe that you could afford my services if I started charging you for the work I do directly related to your very existence?”
They wanted to know what I meant.
“YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH! What if I charged you for having to turn your dirty sock right side out before washing them? That alone would break your budget because I really can’t think of a more disgusting job. Would you be able to afford the meals I prepare, especially since there’s a surcharge for anything beginning with the word ‘Amish”.
What if I asked for money every time you wanted a ride somewhere?”
“You have to do that stuff because you’re a mom.”
“But do you have any idea how much money you guys would owe me if I did charge you?”
Daniel, 13, objected
“Doesn’t the Bible say ‘Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors’? Shouldn’t that mean that we don’t owe each other anything?
“Exactly, Dan!”
As the slightly confused crowd dispersed, I called Daniel into my bedroom, pulled a five dollar bill from my purse and handed it to him.
Wisdom is always rewarded.
