The Wheeler Dealer

Yesterday I had the opportunity to teach my daughter first grade class. I've been working as a substitute all year, but have only sub-ed in my own children's school once, yesterday was the second time.
I was able to share some time with her and sat down next to her at the lunch table.

Backtracking a bit...

The Pianist had asked me that morning to make her a home lunch. She doesn't always appreciate the school menus, so I was happy to oblige. I usually pack for her:

-half a sandwich (usually peanut butter and honey)
-carrot sticks
-fruit
-water bottle
-treat

While I was packing her lunch I pulled out the frozen treat tupperware. She had the choice of a chocolate chip cookie, brownie, homemade oreo or mint brownie. She chose the brownie. I reached in to give her the smallest piece, probably the right portion for her, but she asked me if I would please give her the bigger piece so she could share with her friends.

Flash forward to lunchtime...

So I was sitting next to The Pianist having a wonderful time, enjoying a chat with all the children. One of her friends leaned into me and gave a very peculiar comment that I didn't really think anything of, "You make really good brownies Mrs. 'Substitute.'" I told her thank you and went back to enjoying the chatter.

I usually tell my kids when I make their lunch that they need to eat all the "good stuff" first, like their sandwich and veggies, and save their treat for the end. The Pianist is still very obedient, so she did do just that. As she pulled her brownie out something very peculiar happened -

Mass hysteria broke out. Girls swarmed around my daughter holding up treasures from their own lunch..."Please can I have some" , "here are two fries", "I'll trade you for a shrimp popper". The Pianist calmly collected all the wonderful treasures, eating them as she went, and ripping off a piece of brownie for all contributors.

It was hilarious. I really couldn't believe the mass hysteria, like I was on the floor of the Stock Market. Girls shouting and thrusting food her direction. I saw one first grader get up from two tables away carrying her treasure right to my daughter and receiving her portion.

I will never think twice about giving her a big portion of a treat in her home lunch. I usually try to limit the amount of sugar in her diet, but she only ate about a dime size herself. Now there is a self starter. You go get 'um sweetie, or should I say tiger!