The answer was “No”.
The result was heart wrenching sobs.”
The question: “Can I have a bake sale this Saturday?”
There were a lot of reasons for the answer: 1. It was going to rain/snow. 2. Even without precipitation, it was going to be cold. 3. Most of the work would fall on me. 4. Things like this make me HIGHLY uncomfortable.
I don’t like to haggle, I don’t like to ask people to come to “selling” parties, I don’t like to hold yard sales. And here before me was my daughter, asking me to let her set up a bake sale and sell cookies to all our neighbors.
Un-comfortable!
I asked her why it was so important to her. She wanted to raise money for the jump-a-thon at school so she could earn a prize, and she wanted to make some money to finally have enough to purchase rollerblades. She wanted to feel like a winner. (her words)
How can you say no to that? Even though I had about 20 other things I should have been doing we spent Friday afternoon and Saturday morning baking cookies for her. She took them around the neighborhood and nearly sold out. The grand total? $14.
Yeah.
All that work and stress and drama for $14. 🙂
But, in addition to that $14 we both learned a lot of lessons. She learned about hard work and facing her fears knocking on doors offering her treats. She learned about saving her money to purchase an item she was wanting and she learned about paying tithing and giving to charity. All pretty valuable lessons.
I learned that I really need to work on not passing my issues on to my kids. I really don’t like selling door to door, but my daughter might be a natural salesperson. I don’t like asking people to buy things from me {which is very funny since I sell things I make all the time} but she hasn’t learned to be afraid of “no” {which I definitely am, and I think it’s silly and I need to get over it}.
She wants to work hard and do good things in this world and I think I am getting in her way.
So I am going to try to get out of her way, and maybe even let her pull me along on the ride, because I have a feeling she’s going to some wonderful places.
xoxo,
Amy
p.s. don’t those treats look yummy? Luckily I saved just enough for the family to have a few. 😉
Gwen @ Gwenny Penny
March 22, 2011 at 1:51 amI love this post. I always find myself in situations where I fear that I'm passing my issues on to my kids, too. I'm making a conscious effort to stop. I don't want to stand in the way of them becoming who they are destined to become. You and I seem to share similar issues:) Great post, Amy.
Swensgirl
March 22, 2011 at 2:02 amI felt so bad that I couldn't find even a quarter, but I decided to start hiding a dollar or two for such occasions! Kylee has been asking for months to do that or a lemonade stand. I told her she has to wait till its warmer. It makes me uncomfortable too! And she's so little, I would have to go with her, awkward is the word that comes to mind!
Andi @ Jane of all crafts
March 22, 2011 at 2:43 amWhat a wonderful post!! You are not alone in your concerns about making your issues your kids issues. I worry about that a lot. Heck I worry about everything when it comes to parenting!! But I figure if I'm worrying about it then it's a good thing because that means I'm aware and want the best for my kids. Sounds like you do too! 🙂
Stacy
March 22, 2011 at 2:58 amI love this post! We learn such neat things being moms. You are such a cute mom 🙂
Amy @ Increasingly Domestic
March 22, 2011 at 4:11 amI feel the wame way about selling parties. I don't think poorly of people hosting them or inviting me to them, but I feel so wierd inviting people over to buy stuff.
The idea of a garage sale is really strange:let me lay out all my crap outside my house while strangers root around in it and offer 1/4 the price posted(I have gotten over this though and made nearly 500 dollars at my last one)
I love that despite your feelings you did this for your daughter…you have taught her so much and she will remember this always.
You are a great mother:)
Patti Smith
March 22, 2011 at 2:00 pmMy kids LOVED the cookies – You are an AWESOME mom!
Rachel
March 23, 2011 at 5:42 pmDespite being out of yoru element, everything looks very tasty.