Skip to main content

Busy-ness 101

Jake has become quite the 8 year old entrepreneur.  Or, possibly scam artist.  He received as a gift about a year ago a bookmark made from duct tape.

Utterly fascinated and impressed with this gift, Jake begged me to buy him some decorative duct tape so that he could make his own bookmarks.  This proposal seemed harmless enough, so I got him a couple rolls.

Not long ago, I found myself In sore need of a bookmark, so I turned to my highly creative son and asked him to make me one.  He says, "I guess I will make you one for free."  I responded, "I should certainly think so since I bought the tape!"  

He proceeds to inform me that he needed a notebook so he could take orders.  It would appear he has developed quite a following.  He also informed me that he was charging his friends "$5 in pass tickets" (a reward system for students who may then purchase prizes from something called a "pass cabinet".)

Part of me was proud of his capitalistic tendencies, as I am hopeful he will be in a position to keep me in the style to which I wish to grow accustomed sooner rather than later.  And, doing so in a legal and above-board manner is preferred (albeit on certain days, negotiable).  But, in a feeble attempt at good parenting, I did mention that maybe he should check with his teacher to see if his little business was allowed to operate, or should he secure a permit?

"Why would she care?" He questioned.  "It's just business?"

Having larger fish to fry, I decided to agree.

Well, turns out she did care.  He told me a few days later that she made him stop selling bookmarks for pass tickets.

Not to be deterred, the little angel tells me last night that he would be setting aside the thirty minutes prior to bedtime to make picture frames.  "Picture frames?  When did you start doing that?" I ask.  (Again, mother of the year keeps up with everything her child does, obviously.). "Oh, awhile ago.  I needed something new to sell."

So, the little entrepreneur has learned about diversification.  He's also learned to look for loopholes.  The teacher banned selling bookmarks, but obviously she has not addressed picture frames.  I go to check out his duct tape picture frames, and I see a piece of paper that reads "James: day off -Wednesday".  

" What's this?" I ask.  "Oh, I have people working for me.  They take the orders for me to fill.  I have to give them a day off sometimes."   Well, well.....so my son is now in management.  And may possibly be operating a sweatshop for 8 year olds.  I have one question-am I legally liable for the business dealings of an eight year old?

All I know is that as a source of start-up capital, I really hope that my investment pays off.  I don't know what they have in that pass cabinet, but I am hoping for a Ring-Pop or maybe some fluorescent shoelaces!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sometimes, Life Ain't Fair

I generally try to keep my blog relatively light-hearted.  I poke fun at myself and my loved ones because I think it helps to keep perspective.  Sometimes we take ourselves too seriously, and we just need a reminder that life is pretty good in the grand scheme of things. But sometimes, life ain't fair. What follows is an honest, heart-felt post.  It will not be easy to read at times.  Consider yourself warned.  There are no such things as safe spaces in my world. Few outside of an FFA or 4H program understand "why" we show livestock.   Sadly, the concept of raising livestock, having any kind of inkling or understanding of how and where one's food comes from (besides the grocery store) is foreign to most, even some of you who follow this blog.  (I love you anyway, but sometimes I worry about you.) There is a fascination with our lifestyle, and I generally become the defacto ag teacher in work meetings as I explain what my kids were doing in rece...
2 comments
Read more

Uno Lampino

 El Hubbo started the conversation with "Now, promise you won't kill him." That immediately got my attention.   "He broke one of your lamps when he came in the house with the weed eater.  Like beyond repair." I asked, "Why was he bringing the weed eater through the house?" "Well, he cleaned it up and he feels bad," El Hubbo said.  "I thought I should call and give you warning.  We've spent so much time and money getting him to this point....." "Ugh."  I hung up. Upon my arrival home, I saw the lampshade on the counter.  Then I saw the boy child.  I grabbed him in a big hug.  "Your daddy called and told me you wanted to take me lamp shopping.  That is so sweet of you!" He looked a bit bewildered but relieved that I had not immediately gone for the jugular.  "Uh, yeah, ok." "I'm so excited that I'm getting new lamps for the living room!" "Wait?  Lamps?  Don't you mean 'l...
Post a Comment
Read more

Simple Kid

I know I have been a little remiss in my posting duties, please forgive me!  (As I am sure you can relate to how busy a time of year this becomes for us all!)  Here's a short, but sweet one: So, yesterday I pick up my offspring from the daycare, just as I do every day after work, whether I want to or not.  (Most of the time I do want to - MOST of the time.)  Jake crawls into the car, and we begin our daily ritual - How was your day?  Fine.  Did you learn anything good today?  No.  What did you eat for lunch?  I don't remember.  Did you get into trouble?  (sheepish look)  Well did you?  A little.  Define "A little." You get the drift. Jake then asks about having a snack when he gets home.  I respond, "Sure!  How about some slimy goat boogers with spider hair sprinkled on top?"  (We're all about nutrition and being open to trying new things.  Ok, not really.) "EWWWW!  Those are insects!"...
Post a Comment
Read more