Instead of seeing them as unreasonable adversaries, I could view them as occasionally inscrutable advisers. And instead of feeling that they were constantly correcting and controlling my behavior, I could sense that they were dutifully guiding my development. Sure, we had our differences and tense moments. But we never lost the special something that came with the left-handed catcher's mitt. And in the long run, I think my teammates envied me a lot more than I envied them.
S o go ahead.
Search the stores. Stand in line. Shell out big bucks. Just make sure all the effort and expense is justified. Make sure you're bringing genuine happiness to your child and not simply offering a little relief from peer pressure.