Setting limits

Cooper takes his lunch to school four days a week and buys on Fridays -- pizza day. The first Friday of kindergarten, Katie and I joined him for lunch, and I helped him make his selections: a slice of pizza, corn, half an apple, chocolate milk and a Rice Krispie bar.

Last Friday we were unable to join him because of Katie's ENT appointment (her sugery is scheduled for Sept. 5). So, Cooper and I talked in advance about his lunch -- one entree, two sides, a drink and a dessert.

Guess what he bought.

• Slice of pizza
• Corn dog
• Half an apple
• Chocolate ice cream
• Chocolate milk
• Peanut butter crackers

Total: $4.20

Ack! He said he didn't get corn because a corn dog is kind of like corn. And he said at least one adult questioned his amount of food, but he assured her that it was OK.

There are forms parents can give to the cafeteria, setting limits on what a child can and can't charge on his/her account. Clearly, Steve and I need to establish those limits officially, not just with a hungry 5-year-old.