The root of all evil

Recently, we agreed Clownfish could have 50 cents once a week to buy snack at school. The first week, he bought pretzels. He came home and told me how happy he was he chose the healthiest snack available and how fun it was to stand in line with his friends. The second week, he bought ice cream. It didn't take long for him to figure out that he had the freedom to choose whatever he wanted, with no parent standing over his shoulder.

Today I wrote out a check for the two hot lunches that we order for him each month. He wanted me to explain how checks worked. He knew they were like money, but also understood that they weren't money.

So we talked a little and then I quizzed him a little:

Me: So I have $8 in the bank. I wrote this check for $5. And when the principal brings that paper to the bank, the bank, what will they give her?
CF: Five dollars.
Me: Right. And how much will I have left in the bank?
CF: Ummm, three dollars.
Me: Right. And the principal has my $5.
CF: And I get my hot lunch!!
Me: Ok, but what happens if I have only $1 in the bank. And the principal brings the check and asks for $5. Will the bank give her $5?
CF: No?
Me: Right. And the bank will get very mad at mommy for writing a check for $5 when I don't have enough in the bank.
CF: And I won't get my hot lunch!
Me: Right.
CF: How do they know?
Me: What?
CF: How do they know when you write a check that you don't have enough money in there?
Me: Well, they know cuz it is in their computers.
CF: Oh. I guess banks are a little like God.
Me: ????
CF: Just a little like God. They know when you do bad things.

. . . which made me think maybe I could teach him about credit scores next.