The phrase, "I want more for my kids than I had" has always made me uncomfortable. It seems like an excuse, an insult, and a cop out. I think it's fair to say that nearly all parents do the best they can with the resources they have available to them. To say that it wasn't enough, which is what you are saying when you say, "I want more for my kids," is a backhanded criticism of your own parents.

Alexis doesn't have it better than I did. Just different.

My first visit to Disney World was when was for a high school band trip. Alexis has been there twice in three years.

I slept on a fold-out bed in our living room from the time my brother was born until I was seven. Alexis currently has two beds in her room.

I grew up wearing the best Blue Light Specials KMart had to offer. Alexis fell into the Gap the minute she was born.

My mom was more likely to let me go play in traffic than she was to let me squish some Play-Doh. I have chuckled as I cleaned Play-Doh out of Alexis' teeth. Many times.

All of my childhood toys fit in one medium-sized box when I was growing up. Alexis has enough toys to very nearly fill a 15'x15' room.

Perhaps if I had the opportunity to take ballet lessons as a kid, my life would be vastly different. Perhaps I would be more successful. Perhaps I would be better cultured.

But I doubt it.

Alexis doesn't have more. She has it different.