Rant of the Week

Yesterday my son came home from school with the usual stack of Monday papers.  I am starting to think that things around here are completely backwards! 

In one hand he has 6 Scholastic book flyers, and in the other he has an order form so he can have Subway at lunch.  Of course he wants the subs and half the books.

Last week was the Terry Fox run, and orders for pizza kits.  We did, naturally, send money in for Terry Fox.  That's a real no-brainer.  But I felt guilty for not ordering any pizza stuff.  My son was actually quite upset when he told me the forms were due, and saw that they were blank.  I tried to explain it in terms a 6 year old can understand, but tears were only narrowly avoided.  

I agree with the idea of Subway twice a month.  It's a healthy treat and not that expensive (only $5 for a 6 inch).  But he already gets to order pizza once a week (only $2 a slice), and I have already turned down the milk program ($1 a carton, available everyday).  The poor kid just has to drink milk at home, like a normal child.  So, on a monthly basis he is taking in $18 for pizza and subs.  Considering what he takes in a bag lunch, that's 2 weeks worth of lunches.

I still don't know what to do about the book orders yet.  I love to read, he loves to read and now that he can read some books on hos own, I really do want to encourage reading.  The prices are not that bad, I find that they are often lower than if I were buying them in the store, but trying to convince him that he only needs 1 or 2 (and not the $50 books) is the tough part.  Besides, last week was the book fair, and he always gets $20 for that.  He loves being able to pick out his own books and is always so proud when he brings them home.

I think what really bothers me about this, is that throughout the year there will be more book orders, fundraisers and school trips.  I would love to be able to help him with everything he brings home, but it's just no longer possible.  As he is now 6 years old, the government has decided that I don't need the $100 a month for child benefits, and I no longer qualify for the family supplement while on maternity leave.  Really?  This is the age when it's needed!  The schools are asking for more, he is at the age where he wants to be in sports and other activities, and don't forget that Christmas is only a little over 2 months away.  How can I possibly be expected to spend more, when I am getting paid less?  And it's up to me to try to tell him that he is unable to participate in certain things, even though his friends do.

I keep my fingers crossed that he will understand.  Even if he gets mad at me this year, when he is older it should all make sense.  I do what I can for him, and even go without so that he can have the extra.  He is such an amazing child and deserves that...and so much more!