Jumping on the Bed Will Cost You

My kids love to jump on my bed, but it drives me nuts. I'm convinced one of them's gonna crack their skull open...on my day off! Anyway, Ryan offered me two dollars the other day to jump on my bed. He had opened his piggy bank, counted out the change, and was holding it in front of me with a satisfied, hopeful look on his face.

I couldn't resist, so I upped the ante. "Five fifty", I said.

"What?"

"Five-fifty.

"What?" he repeated, not quite understanding yet how to haggle.

"Well, that's how much I want if your gonna jump on my bed. Take it or leave it."

So he went back in his room and counted out the rest. I let him jump as long as he wanted.

Adam was jealous, so I offered the same deal. Poor kid was left with only about eight cents, but he was certain that it was going to be worth it. I could tell it was tough for both of them when I put the money in my own piggy bank (yes, I have one), but I think it was the right thing to do.

Teaches them the value of money. Or maybe just that Dad's a chump.