Maybe I am wrong, but I don't remember life being so complicated when I was in middle school. Everything is so competitive now. Maybe it was back then and I just didn't realize it. Sarah Kate started playing city league softball a couple of weeks ago. We've been encouraged to get her private batting lessons. When I was in third grade I started playing softball and I just did it for fun! No stress at all, as far as I can remember! I just played. I wasn't very good, but I liked it! Ha! Emily started band this year! Before school started, I got a letter from the school district strongly encouraging "your band student to take instrument lessons." WHAT? I bought into it and got Emily private clarinet lessons (which she really enjoys)! But, what happened to learning as you go? I never thought about taking private trumpet lessons when I started band. It seems like most parents are striving for their child to be THE BEST....