My daughter was just a kid when she tried to charm her dad into buying her a trampoline. “I have a great idea, Daddy,” was how such tactical discussions usually started. I was away on business, so he pulled out his well-rehearsed counter-pitch, “Wait till Mom gets home and ask her.”
But this time she was ready for him. “No, Dad,” she replied flatly. “I get better deals out of you.” He was astounded.
She didn’t get a trampoline that day. After all, a dad can’t cave to every pressure move. But six months later, Betsy barreled into the house and gleefully announced, “Guess what Daddy bought you for your birthday! A brand-new trampoline.”
