The value of a dollar

Emerson eats. A lot. I've talked about his Taco Bell-coined "fourth meal." This is his snack, that occurs every evening about an hour after dinner. And by snack, I mean the following:

• Example 1: 2 bananas, 2 garolla bars (aka granola bars), large bowl of baby carrots, 4 slices of bologna, string cheese
• Example 2: sandwich with meat/cheese/bread, big bowl of melon, banana, string cheese

He doesn't eat one of these items. He eats everything listed.  There are evenings that we feel like we're constantly feeding him. And he always asks for more. Always. 

So, we decided Emerson needs to start pulling his weight around the house. We toyed around with the idea that when he's a teenager, we'll dip into his 529 account for groceries. But since we've already designated that for eventual bail (wink), that just won't work.

Every day, Emerson is responsible for taking recycling out to the bin in the garage. And then when Jason takes trash to the curb once a week, Emerson is responsible for the recycling bin. Learning household and earthly accountability, all in one! (I'm nothing, if not efficient.)

This also gives Emerson the opportunity to earn some money. He gets $1 for every week he helps with recycling. He'd been eyeing a Spiderman ball at the grocery store for 6 weeks. It was $7, and it obviously takes Emerson quite a while to earn that. He'd had some opportunities to spend a couple dollars, and he's turned it down so he could save for his goal purchase. So proud of this boy.

Organizing his loot in his wallet.

On Saturday, he made his purchase! He has been carrying out the Spiderman ball since!