My 10 year-old son came home crying. Everyone was asked to bring their mom’s specialty dish for the teacher’s birthday—except him, because “he’s the poor kid.” I saw red. I’ll never let my son feel inferior.

So, I spent the night making my famous pie. The next day, I discreetly went to school to confront the teacher. But she looked totally stunned and said, “There’s no birthday today! Your son is outside with his friends, and he’s very happy!”

It was recess time. I went outside and was shocked to discover my son surrounded by friends, counting a wad of cash. He had been selling slices of my pie for $4 each! That evening, he confessed the truth—he had concocted the story to raise money for a video game I’d told him we couldn’t afford.

Now, I’m torn between two emotions: disappointment that my son is such a skilled deceiver and pride in his budding entrepreneurial spirit.