The Skirt

I love to give my children good things. They don't normally beg for things, but when they do I try not to burden them too much with, "That's too expensive," and try saying things like, "If you really want it, we will save for it." Usually, the want passes.

Not this skirt.

Hannah started a ballet class this afternoon at a studio near our house. Children's activities around here can be unbelievably expensive, so we try to limit the amount and make good choices. I picked this Ballet Studio not because it's a good deal, but because it's convenient. I was not willing to driving a half hour out of town with the boys in afternoon traffic to save a little. All the nannies that sit in the waiting rooms seem unphased by the cost. : )

Then there was the $32 leotard. It had to be bought from the studio. All the girls wear the same one, the same $10 tights and the same $22 shoes. The $26 wrap skirt is optional. Great. Hannah, no skirt. Buuuuttt Moooommmm, it's sooooo pretty.

Yes, but you don't need it.

The skirt has come up several times this week... and today, on the way there, I say, "Hannah, it's expensive. You don't need it. I don't think it's wise to buy it."

We get there. She is thrilled! Skips into her new class. The french doors close. I peek inside at the 12 girls standing in a line facing the mirror.

Hannah is the only one without the skirt. (Thankfully, still smiling.)

My heart breaks. I want to run to the desk and buy the skirt. It's not that we can't, I just... well, I thought I was doing the right thing. Am I?

Sigh...

She's not home yet... I have a feeling the skirt is going the come up again.