Kids generally aren't aware of what things cost, with the exception of videogames, Barbie Dolls, Nike sneakers, baseball cards, and the like. When it comes to lights and electricity, they're totally in the dark. They might think that "watts" means how much light a bulb gives off rather than the truth -- how much it costs to operate it. Simply put, they need to know the bigger the bulb, the bigger the bill; the longer it burns, the bigger the bill, and so on. Teach kids that lower-wattage bulbs often work just as well, and to light only the area they're using, rather than the whole house. (The latter practice keeps the meter spinning like a top.) If words and demonstrations don't do the trick, consider adding motion-detector switches in rooms they frequently use. And add automatic on/off door switches in their bathrooms and closets. First try reasoning and education -- if that doesn't work, outsmart them. And that's the On The House tip for today.