Never Underestimate the Power of a Kid

One day a friend called. She was at her wits end because her 4 yr old was throwing terrible tantrums that lasted longer than usual. We discussed putting her in her room until she could calm down. My friend had tried that but she couldn't keep her in there. I informed her that you have to stay right there and keep her in her room even if it means holding the door closed. You can talk with her so she doesn't feel locked- up but the point is to calm down then talk. Great advice and usually most kids will respond to this and "get it". It also teachers them to remove themselves from upsetting situations and get control of their feelings. Well, mom and I were just feeling so smug about how well we took care of that little bump in the road when the next tantrum came along. Mom did everything correctly and finally the raging storm of a child calmed down. Mom, impressed that this was working, decided it was safe to walk away and wait for her to come out, when the doorbell rang. Feeling good about the whole thing a confident mom headed to the front door.

Imagine her shocked expression when whom did she greet at the front door? You guessed the 4 yr old. She had managed to get to the window, opened it, popped out the screen and climbed out the window onto the shrubs. Now she wanted in so she rang the doorbell.

Yes indeed so much for being smart adults. Never underestimate the power of a kid!