Trick or Treating Economics

If you ever went trick or treating (or at least went to a fair which left you with a decent sized candy stash), did you Dad ever help himself to it? My Dad did, so it was no surprise when Colin began to help himself to our own boys' candy each Halloween. But what I love is that Colin never misses out on a teachable moment.

In our house, the boys get a complete lesson in political economics. As Dad raids each Halloween bucket, he responds to each protest with a reasonable explanation - this is his tax that he must levy against the boys, much like the government taxes Dad's paycheck. Sure the boys do the leg work for the candy, but dear Dad provides security and support during the walk. His income provides the overhead that makes the costumes possible. He examines the treats once we arrive back at the house (quality control). Without Dad, the opportunity to earn that candy is impossible, and so he deserves a cut of the profits.

Of course, the boys begin to look at him like he is nuts at this point. I just laugh. After all, he does make a good point. Besides, my Dad never offered up that good of an explanation!