I know that I have written about our seven children before. They really are a mixture of wonderful, varied personalities and temperaments. Jeremy and I are trying really hard to instill a good work ethic in our children. As my mom would say, money doesn't grow on trees, ya know?
The children decided that they wanted to go see the new Toy Story movie. Movie going is a treat in this house. Seeing the opportunity to make this a learning experience, we made a deal. We told them if they could get the money, we would take them. Our children don't get a regular allowance but are paid to do extra jobs outside of their normal chores.
We had a really clean house this week as the children worked very hard to earn extra money. All the children, except one. My six year old comedian, Samuel. Samuel loves movies more than all of our other children put together. But Samuel also exhibits two unique gifts. He has the ability to make us laugh, REALLY HARD. He also has the uncanny ability to get out of working. We secretly call him the work shirker.
Jeremy and I explained to Samuel that if he didn't work and earn the money, he wouldn't join the others in going to the movie. I entreated him, " You want to see the movie, don't you?"
He smiled ever so sweetly and replied, "Hmmm.... I don't know. ... yet."
Jeremy explained, " We won't give you the money at the last minute. We won't feel sorrow for you. You MUST earn it like that other children."
Samuel just smiled and said, "I haven't decided..... yet."
So the other kids worked. And worked. And Samuel did not.
Several times during the week, I offer Samuel paid jobs and he would just smile with a twinkle in his eye and say, "I haven't decided...yet."
I noticed something else this week, too. Every time that I saw Samuel he had his hand in his mouth. He was wiggling and wiggling on his front teeth. All at once, I realized his devious little plan.
I questioned him. "Sam, why are you wiggling your front teeth?"
He smiled and giggled, "Ummm.... I need'em to come out."
"Why?"
"I need the tooth fairy to come see me."
"Why?"
"That should give me just enough."
I didn't have to question any further. He would rather pull out his teeth than work! I explained to him that working would be less painful than pulling out teeth that aren't ready.
He did finally relent and give us the work needed to earn his movie ticket. But I noticed he is still wiggling as well. Maybe he has another plan for the tooth fairy.