Dream Big, Kid. Dream Big

Timothy has acquired a new cell phone. Actually, it's not a new cell phone. It's Mike's old Tracfone, but it's new to Tim. The phone had a few minutes left on it, and Mike told him if he worked around the house, he'd put some more minutes on it for him. I consider this bribery, and thought it stupid. Kids should do their chores because I say so, but anyway......

So, this morning while waiting for the bus, Tim says, "I need more minutes." I tell him, "Your father (emphasis on father) said that he'd buy you some minutes as soon as you start doing some work around here."

Tim: But, I don't want to work.
Me: You have to work. Everybody has to work. You have to work to get money to buy the things you need and want.
Tim: But, it's too hard.
Me: Well, I don't like working, either, but I do. I have to work so we can have what we need around here. Your dad would prefer not to work, too, but you see him get up early every day and go to work. You'll be doing that someday, too. For now, your job is to do good in school and do your chores at home. If you want minutes for your phone, you'll do the work.
Tim: I'm not going to ever have to worry about money when I get older. I'm going to make the most money in the world! I'm not going to work. I'm going to play football!

The bus came at this point, and the conversation came to an end. I was left with a feeling of failure because my lesson on responsibility fell on deaf ears. Of course, I do believe that had the conversation continued any further, it would have done no good. I've heard this before. He's going to play pro football and make so much money, it'll be ridiculous. I guess it's good to have dreams. If only I could get him to put as much effort into everything else as he puts into his football passion.

Who knows? Maybe someday he'll make it into the NFL, and make the most money in the world. Then, he can take care of his mother in her old age.

Hey, I think I just got myself a new dream!