If kindergarten opens its doors at 7:20 a.m. and classes start at 7:40 a.m., when ideally, should your kids reach school?

I normally take Caleb, our 5-year-old, to school around 7.30 a.m. but told him that we should consider getting there earlier, given the long carpool lane. 

“Dad, can we actually go later?”, he asked.

“Why later? That’s cutting it too close”, I replied.

“You see, if I get there earlier, then I have to walk all the way to the gym on the other side of the school, then stand in line till it’s time, and then walk back. That makes no sense. If I get there just in time, I can go straight to class” he replied, with a very clear plan.

Caleb wasn’t trying to go late. He just didn’t want to stand in line needlessly when he realized he didn’t have to.

I was proud of my efficient son, but also grateful that he reminded me that all benefits aren’t created equally.