My sister is teaching my nieces, Julia and Lydia, the value of money. She gives them an allowance each week when they complete their chores. The girls have three piggy banks: one for saving, one for spending and one for giving. The idea is that they are supposed to divide their money and learn how to budget. The other day she asked the girls the bring her their banks to fill with their allowance and she noticed Lydia’s “spending” bank was unusually full. Suspecting she had been taking change out of the family change jar in the kitchen, Ralph began questioning her about the weight. Here’s how the conversation ensued:
Ralph: Lydia, your spending bank is really full. Where did you get all that money?
Lydia (4 1/2): I have my ways.
Ralph (trying desperately not to laugh): Did you get it from the change jar on the counter?
Lydia: Maybe
Ralph: Lydia, you know taking things that aren’t yours is stealing. That’s one of the Ten Commandments.
Lydia: Oh.
Lydia returned the money and we’re all still laughing about the incident. One thing is for sure, that kid is just a little too smart for her own good. I feel sorry for the kids in her class because I’m willing to bet Lydia will figure out who Santa Claus really is before they do. And then proceed to tell them all about it.
Pretty Pretty Bang Bang 