I am sharing this genius with all parents..you can thank me later..

I formulated the best lie..it is good because it adds off of a traditional lie that we tell to our children and I still don't feel guilty.  I am sharing this genius with all parents..you can thank me later..(I know you are skeptical..but read on..)

Within the Wang household, there is Santa, Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy.  We also use the "Move Fairy" and the "Trip Fairy".  The Move Fairy is a tiny sprite that gives a little girl a gift when she changes bedrooms while moving from one home to another.  Believe me, this tiny gift is minor because when we were moving our family to the cul-de-sac, Laurel thought her new room would have all new furnishings..new bed, dresser, shelves, toys, etc.  I am not joking.  At the time, I was hoping for a new king size bed, a grill and Ching just wanted a bigger t.v.  Laurel wanted full boat..to reel her expectations in, I told her that her bed and other furnishings will be the same but perhaps the "move fairy" will bring a small gift to help you get used to the new house.  (This is where that God damn pillow pet was introduced.)

The Trip Fairy..I will fess up, this is a bribe.  Ching and I would tell Laurel that if she shows the manners that we taught in Newton and is behaved during any trip, she will get a small gift at the end.  Judge if you must...During the last trip, the great thing was is that (Ching and I) never had to leverage this gift.  Every other day, Laurel would ask if she was still getting (some sort of stuffy) as confirmation but it was never used as a threat.  She was truly very good and a help with her sister.  (Honestly, I would have given her $50..but let's just go with a stuffy, for $8.)

So in April, I had a potential of the Easter Bunny and "the Trip Fairy."  I told Laurel that they both hang our and the Easter Bunny is going to leave a small toy while the Trip Fairy will watch and reward you after our vacation.

Laurel:  "The Trip Fairy and the Easter Bunny know each other?"
Me:  "Of course Laurel..Santa, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, Move Fairy and Trip Fairy all hang out.  Who do you think there friends are?  (This is where it gets good.)  Who do you think they hang out with and share ideas? They want to know how to not wake you up and leave the treat.  They need to know if you are really good..they show each other their notes."
Laurel: "Really?"
Me: " Would I lie to you?"

So Laurel's Easter basket was very small.  And she got a moderate gift after our family vacation for such amazing behavior. You may judge..but think about the time that your kid loses a tooth a day before Santa is supposed to adorn the tree?  Or have some sort of event prior to the Easter Bunny?  Believe me, the networking of mythical figures works.  Remember, they all know each other and they all talk..

(For those childless..just eat your hunk of cheese on the couch in your underwear..yes, I am jealous..)