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Like any kid, Christmas is a magical and blessed time for my eldest son. One Christmas, he received many gifts from family and friends; books, toys and clothes. However, he did not get what he was really wishing for .....an innovative construction toy which cost an arm and a leg.

He came up to me and asked how he could get that particular toy. He asked if a kid like him (not yet 10 years old at that time) could go to work and make some money. Hoping to instill some entrepreneurial spirit in him, we had a discussion on ways of making money.

Damian finally decided that he wants to make and sell Valentine’s Day Cards. He started talking about what he would do… which material he would use, what patterns to draw. He even did a rough sketch on a piece of paper. Then he checked with us to ensure that making and selling cards will not put a kid in jail. He was just the perfect planner!

Meanwhile, his sister Stephanie (just celebrated 7th birthday) after listening to her big brother's plans, said “Hey, I want to do that too!” She took a piece of my expensive A4 paper, folded it into half and immediately started drawing and colouring.

That night, a few friends came to our house for a post-Christmas dinner. Stephanie showed her masterpiece hoping someone will buy it from her. We good-naturedly started an auction, with bidding price starting at 50cents. Our friends joined in the fun and the final price was at $3.80 !!!!

Stephanie was esctatic! “WOW!!!!”

Damian was … “Hey wait a minute! That was my idea!!”

Too bad Damian. Thanks for all your planning. You might be a step closer to getting that wonderful construction toy if you had taken ACTION.

Familiar, anyone?