Homeschool math.

7-year-old: So, we’re agreed then? I can do chores for an allowance?

Me: Yes, but only as long as you do it cheerfully. If you whine and complain, the deal’s off.

7-year-old: But– But—!

Me: Or maybe I’ll just dock your allowance for each instance of complaining. Say…5 cents for each incidence of complaining.

7-year-old: Ohhhh…kay….

Me: So, if you complain too much, you might find yourself out of an allowance one month.

7-year-old: So, I’d be paying you for complaining.

Me: Yes.

7-year-old: How much? Like one dollar?

4-year-old: Plus tax.

Me: Yeah, maybe. If you complained enough, it could come out to a dollar.

4-year-old: Plus tax!

7-year-old, with much melodramatic gasping: Or TWO??? TWO DOLLARS?????

4-year-old: Yeah! Plus tax!!!

7-year-old: Or THREE????

4-year-old: PLUS TAX, YOU GUYS!!!! YOU KEEP FORGETTING TO ADD THE TAX!!!!

RegularDad, in response to my nonplussed look: I explained tax to her when we were at the dollar store last week.

1 Debbie March 9, 2008 at 11:09 am

Hey, I read this last night but I didn’t get a chance to say anything since I was in the middle of writing something, just thought it was hilarious, your four year old is adorable.:D

2 Shawna March 9, 2008 at 11:42 am

How cute is that? I sure miss those girls! Hope you all are doing well there and enjoying the new home.

Hugs

3 RegularMom March 9, 2008 at 7:58 pm

Thanks guys. Shawna, I’m gonna try to call you this week.

4 RegularSis March 11, 2008 at 10:09 am

Love it – absolutely love it!
What a great laugh you gave me!

Thanks,
RegSis

5 karisma March 12, 2008 at 6:58 am

Sounds like my age…Plus Tax…well thats what I tell everyone.

6 Mom #1 March 15, 2008 at 2:22 pm

Yeah, don’t forget the taxes. That’s so funny!

I remember when I taught Baby Boy about taxes, he started carrying around a calculator with him because he loves to have the exact change.

Now he can do taxes in his head in one second flat. I guess we better not leave the state! LOL.

7 Heather K. March 16, 2008 at 10:18 pm

I taught my neice about taxes. Her mom was giving her allowance, but keeping a third of it for income taxes. I told her that at the end of the year she should file a tax return and get her money back, because she doesn’t make enough to have to pay taxes on it. My sis was not happy with me.

I taught my kids about sales tax at the dollar store, too.