How My Kids Get $2

[2527]

When we go out to eat as a family, which is usually about once a week, we would let the kids (now 14 and 11) order a soda, which was the only time they drank soda because we don't keep it at home.  I never really liked the idea because I think soda isn't healthy, but my wife had a point that making something off limits can make it an object of intense desire.

One day, in a flash, this occurred to me.  I told the kids that when we go out, they can order a soda, or drink water and I'll give them $2.  They almost always take the $2, and they really like it.  Not only are they not consuming all that sugar, they are learning the economic concept  of opportunity cost.  In this case, if they don't drink a soda, they can do something else with the money.

[renaite]

I love this!


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[dweebyhawkeyes]

I often tried this with my parents. We never ordered drinks at restaurants, but I would point to a menu item I "would have" ordered and ask if I could skip dinner and earn $6 instead. It only ever earned a laugh.

[2527]

We joked about this too as the logical next step! 

I often tried this with my parents. We never ordered drinks at restaurants, but I would point to a menu item I "would have" ordered and ask if I could skip dinner and earn $6 instead. It only ever earned a laugh.

[dragoncar]

Brilliant and one of those obvious in hindsight things

I often tried this with my parents. We never ordered drinks at restaurants, but I would point to a menu item I "would have" ordered and ask if I could skip dinner and earn $6 instead. It only ever earned a laugh.

This also works well on first dates.

"Your treat?  I was gonna get the lobster but I'll order salad for $20 cash.  Win win!"

[arebelspy]

When we go out to eat as a family, which is usually about once a week, we would let the kids (now 14 and 11) order a soda, which was the only time they drank soda because we don't keep it at home.  I never really liked the idea because I think soda isn't healthy, but my wife had a point that making something off limits can make it an object of intense desire.

One day, in a flash, this occurred to me.  I told the kids that when we go out, they can order a soda, or drink water and I'll give them $2.  They almost always take the $2, and they really like it.  Not only are they not consuming all that sugar, they are learning the economic concept  of opportunity cost.  In this case, if they don't drink a soda, they can do something else with the money.

Love it.  Well played.