At first I thought it would just be our little secret. Nia would never have to know that Nate and I entered her sanctuary while she was at school. He just gets so happy when the door is left open so he can run in and look wide-eyed at everything he never gets to play with – then go to town with a huge smile on his face. I thought, if I just put all the toys he’s enjoying back before we go to pick her up, she’ll never know that her precious princess room had been invaded. How could I forget that Nia is very special and has a genius brain and awesome memory?
We were only back in the house for like 5 minutes when she walked over to me holding a ball and had a look on her face like she knew something was fishy.
“Momma. Why is this ball out of my room?”
BUSTED! I smile at her not really knowing what to say. Should I lie? “I don’t know why that’s out of your room. How would I know how it got out of your room?” Should I fall on the floor and beg for forgiveness for allowing her little brother – the one she always slams the door on as she scurries off in her room – to touch all the toys that she freaks out when he has? WHAT? First of all, what kind of example would I be if I lied to my child? (Plus, I can’t lie for my life.) Second, she’s 4! Why in the world am I worried that a 4-year-old will be mad at me? Who’s the adult here? What’s my deal?
I look at her and smile and say, “Nate brought it out here.”
“How did Nate get it?”
“I let him in your room while I was putting your clean clothes away.” (NOT A LIE – This is the true reason why we were in there in the first place – I just thought it would be a shame to kick him out after I was finished – he was having so much fun!)
“Mommmmmaaaaa” she says with her head to the side and a look of disappointment on her face.
Phew. I got away with it this time! I’ll have to be more careful next time!
Are You Zhazha? 
Say what?