Isaac Anthony, Esq.
Twice a year St. Bernard’s hosts a book fair. They convert the library into a mini bookstore and the kids browse the offerings. There are a lot of books that are from popular series—Captain Underpants, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, etc. There are also kids “refernece books” like the DK guides to Star Wars movies and the like. I had book fairs too and this is where I feel in love with Guiness World Records (which I still get annually to this day).
In previous years it was alway a bit of a hassle because one of us had to go at some point and pay for the books that Isaac had scouted out all week. This year they instituted a new e-wallet system. Bianca loaded up Isaac’s e-wallet with $25 and explained to him how it worked.
Bianca: Isaac, this year they are using an electronic wallet. You do not need Mom or Dad to pay for things. You have $25 to spend.
Isaac: What if I don’t spend it all, do I get what’s left over?
Bianca: No Isaac. The book fair supports your school. This $25 is for you to spend ONLY at the book fair. Do you understand?
Isaac, with slightly stooped shoulders: OK
Well, that night I came home to a bit of controversy. Apparently, Isaac spent his money on a car poster (McLaren 720, if you are curious). Bianca was upset because he didn’t buy books. When I confronted him he told me:
“You guys said the money was for the book fair. I bought something at the book fair. You didn’t say I had to by books. I don’t think it is fair that you are mad at me.”
I had to preserve the Parental Facade and be stern, but deep down inside, the lawyer in me was tickled by this argument. We decided as punishment, Isaac had to use some of his money to pay for the poster. When he conceded and paid the cash ($5), we rewarded him for taking responsibility by giving him $2 back. Or least that’s why Bianca gave him the money back. Personally, I paid him for making a good argument.
In previous years it was alway a bit of a hassle because one of us had to go at some point and pay for the books that Isaac had scouted out all week. This year they instituted a new e-wallet system. Bianca loaded up Isaac’s e-wallet with $25 and explained to him how it worked.
Bianca: Isaac, this year they are using an electronic wallet. You do not need Mom or Dad to pay for things. You have $25 to spend.
Isaac: What if I don’t spend it all, do I get what’s left over?
Bianca: No Isaac. The book fair supports your school. This $25 is for you to spend ONLY at the book fair. Do you understand?
Isaac, with slightly stooped shoulders: OK
Well, that night I came home to a bit of controversy. Apparently, Isaac spent his money on a car poster (McLaren 720, if you are curious). Bianca was upset because he didn’t buy books. When I confronted him he told me:
“You guys said the money was for the book fair. I bought something at the book fair. You didn’t say I had to by books. I don’t think it is fair that you are mad at me.”
I had to preserve the Parental Facade and be stern, but deep down inside, the lawyer in me was tickled by this argument. We decided as punishment, Isaac had to use some of his money to pay for the poster. When he conceded and paid the cash ($5), we rewarded him for taking responsibility by giving him $2 back. Or least that’s why Bianca gave him the money back. Personally, I paid him for making a good argument.