One mother tells the story of her adolescent son who was prone to sloppiness. “He is a good boy,” the mother said, “he gives us very little trouble, except that he is a slob. He drops his clothes, his books, everything, wherever he goes in the house. His clothes are always a mess; his room is a disaster area.” She went on to describe a deal she finally made with her son, out of sheer desperation. She told him that henceforth he would be considered old enough to pick up after himself. “From now on,” she told him, “every time I pick up something of yours I’m going to charge you a nickel.” At the end of the first week of this experiment, she presented her son with a bill for $1.65. She received from her son $1.65 plus a 50¢ tip and a note that said, “Thanks mom, keep up the good work.” All ye mothers and fathers, have courage!
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