Reality?

Kyle is in 8th grade, which meant he got to do the NUMBER ONE thing eight graders get to do.

Reality Town!

They gave each kid an occupation with a monthly salary, based on the kid's interests and grades, assuming that they are 30 years old. Some get a spouse and possibly kid(s). They took their monthly salary and had to go around to each station, where they wrote out real-looking checks to buy things like insurance, housing, a car, utilities, daycare, groceries, clothing, and even things like pets and vacations.

I think it's a fabulous way to show that a) effort in school affects what kind of a job you get, and b) that things cost a lot. I've even heard reports of kids being extra grateful toward their parents after going through this experience.

Kyle was born wanting to be a husband and father. He lucked out and got to be both! His daughter, Jenna, was two and apparently, she was adorable.

He also lucked out on occupation. He signed up to be a dentist because he saw how much money they made. With his grades, he actually got to be a dentist.

He had loads of money, a wife, and a kid.

Needless to say, he was thrilled. For a small moment, he even contemplated failing eighth grade just so he could do it again.

With everything working out as peachy as possible, I'm not sure he really learned how tough "reality" can be. But it looks like it may have made him appreciate me! "Check" out what he gave me when he got home from school:

Looks like being the mother of a dentist is already paying off.