“Taxation Without Representation.” America fought for its independence over that issue. Remember the Boston Tea Party (we’ll I don’t expect you to remember being there, I mean from history class)? But when it comes to food and my kids I tax without representation. Little guy wants a cookie? Sure I’ll get him one. But he’ll get it with a bite missing – Daddy Tax. Make a chocolate milk for our oldest? No problem. But you’ll see the glass isn’t filled up all the way – Daddy Tax. The kids get no say in the matter. If you need Daddy’s help to get a snack then you will have to surrender to the Daddy Tax.
The kids understand this tax. They hem and haw sometimes but it’s all in good fun. And I understand the fine line in the sand that if crossed, could mean revolution. If I take the tax too far the kids no longer trust me to get them a snack. Then I lose out on my Daddy Tax. No more revenue! And of course they complain.
I could make the case that I’m helping with portion control. After all I’m eating up some of the snack calories they would be getting. Maybe I’m teaching them that there’s a cost to to getting help? In economics terms this could be a transactions cost. But that’s not really the case. I just want a bite of that cookie or a sip of that chocolate milk!
Reminds me, the kids are due for a snack (mmm, chocolate chip cookies)!
Is there a Daddy Tax in your home?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Dang! I though I invented the Daddy Tax.
I use it differently though. If the kids bring home something they get for themselves like chips or Halloween candy then I sometimes charge a Daddy Tax simply because I want some.
It’s not really a tax if I provide the raw materials and/or the finished goods. It’s more like an income tax.
Haha, nice!
My daughter will soon realize I levy all Snacks!
Haha!