Commerce

The children received Valentine's Day cards containing "paper money." They usually turn the cash over to me without a thought, and I tuck it away for someday. When they find or get coins, they play with them like toys, then pop them in piggy banks.

But both kids have had questions lately about money and where it comes from and why we need it, and about how to buy things at the store, plus the typical-for-a-small-child "How about we buy XYZ," with no concept of the cost. So we decided to spend that paper money.

We went down to the local bakery yesterday afternoon, each child toting two dollar bills. On the way, we talked about how we would exchange the money for something we wanted. Then we wouldn't have the money anymore, but we would have the thing, or the experience of enjoying the thing. At the bakery, I went first.

Me: I would like one biscotti, please.
Clerk: That will be $1.25. Out of two dollars...your change is 75 cents.
Me: Thank you.

Zoe went next, while partly hiding behind my leg. Her voice was a whisper, and I think the clerk figured out what she wanted by lip reading. But Zoe did use all the right words, and handled the entire transaction herself. She opted for a pink meringue thing half-dipped in dark chocolate.

Vincent had no trouble speaking up, but needed more prompting.

Me, whispering: Ask for what you want.
Vincent, loudly: A MEWANG.
The clerk handed over a meringue.
Vincent, loudly: TANK YOU.
Vince, now totally focused on his treat, was headed for a table.
Me, whispering: Give her the money.
Vincent tossed the bills on the counter, and did wait to get his change.

In the debrief, Zoe shared how pleased she was with the experience. The confection was delicious. And! She gave the store two pieces of money and got back three pieces!