The dog days of summer are upon us, and in our family, that usually means one thing – snowcones! For several years now, our family has owned and operated a snowcone business in the tiny, tourist town of St. Michaels on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Ken and I support the business by maintaining the stand, ordering product, and financing the equipment; but the daily operations, inventory, record-keeping, etc. are all done by the girls.
I am often amazed by the number of children these days who do not have a summer job. Our girls have been working the stand since Morgan was about nine years old. And while it sounds like fun, it’s hard work. The daily set-up itself is a real chore, and there’s no respite from the sun or heat. On some days, the line of families stretches down the whole block, and whichever girl is working needs to keep moving hand over fist as quickly as she can to satisfy her waiting customers. It’s demanding, boring on slow days, but overall, very rewarding.
Recently a girl in Morgan’s class called her spoiled because she owns both an iPad and iPhone. Morgan rebuked her saying she paid for both items and pays the monthly fee with her own hard earned money. When we travel, any and all souvenirs that the girls want, they have to buy. The number one question they have to ask before making any purchase is “is it worth it?” Read more
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