“Mama, can we go downstairs now?” my little one pipes up at about 5 pm every evening.

“Maybe later. I’m busy,” comes my vague response.

“But, why? Please!! Pleeeeese, mama!” the mini drama queen continues. “You said yesterday we could go. You never take us down to play anymore.”

The pleading, guilt trips and negotiations continue till chores are set aside and mama takes the kids downstairs to our apartment building’s play area.

There’s something to be said about my 6-year-old’s powers of persuasion (Other than the fact that she’ll make a gifted lawyer someday.) She knows what makes her happy and she pursues it. Doggedly.

Read more here