What’s Mine is Mine (aka On Fiefdoms…)

My kids are getting to the age where they are prone to fits of jealousy. I am now faced with a perplexing dilemma. When the family goes to McDonald’s, do I get them all the EXACT same toy to avert a turf war or do I buy different ones and explain that if they rise above the petty squabbles, they will be marginally ahead by having different toys they all can play with and enjoy?

Come to think of it, some ADULTS never come to learn this lesson. I guess this goes a long way in explaining bureaucratic overlap….