Trading Cards

The boys have discovered the world of trading cards. Pokeman, no less. Although Jakin and Corban have never and will not likely ever see the show, the enthusiasm of their friends is enough to excite their interest. After seeing all of their friends feverishly trade cards after soccer a few weeks ago, the boys determined that they must have Pokeman cards. Trading cards in general, and Pokeman trading cards in particular are not a thing I especially want to encourage. But, I decided this wasn't a hill to die on and the cards themselves weren't likely to be a negative influence. So, on a recent trip to Walmart, we tracked down the Pokeman cards. The boys were warned that they would be spending their own money to purchase the cards. When we found the cards, Jakin and Corban were confronted with their first lesson in the harsh reality of trading cards. $4.00 for 10 cards. Jakin made the immediate decision that he wasn't going to shell out the few remaining dollars he had for the cards. Corban (who didn't even have $4) still wanted to take the plunge. After a quick thought about what it would be like for one boy to own this precious commodity while the other still pined for them, I caved and offered to pay for half of each pack. The boys were so excited that they wouldn't even open them in the car less they should lose one of them on the way home. The next hours at home were spent in happy bliss, examining and pouring over their new treasure. Jakin could barely wait to take his to soccer that evening to begin trading. Jack took Jakin to soccer that evening and when they returned Jakin was practically in tears. He had been slapped with another aspect of the harsh world of trading cards: no one would trade with him. His cards were either "no good" or the boys who had already accumulated 50, 60 or 70 cards already had those Jakin was offering. Jakin's broken heart didn't immediately discourage Corban who clung to his belief that "trading" was synonymous with "multiplying"; he was still looking forward to magically turning his 10 cards into 20. Since the first disappointment, the boys have had opportunities to trade cards. And while I worry that their lack of knowledge of anything Pokeman means that they are getting fleeced out of "good" cards in return for"bad" cards, they seem happy with the new hobby. The problem they now have is that I'm not going to buy any more cards for them and Jakin is perplexed as to how to get more money for more cards. "How do I get more money? I never get more money!" The happy days of $5 stuffed in birthday cards won't come around again until next May and June. And the boys are stuck with parents who not only believe that they are too young for an allowance but that chores are part of what they are expected to do as members of our family. Meaning, they won't get paid for the normal jobs they do. I guess these are all good life lessons, right? Aren't we all still trying to figure out how to "get more money"!