But I don’t WANT to go home!

My 4-year-old son had his first unaccompanied play date yesterday. A friend from his daycare invited him over, and I dropped him off at their house for an hour. It was nice to let him play and not be constantly hanging around the kitchen while I’m cooking. Children are like ravenous piranhas after school, let me tell you. The only way to get them to stop whining is to cram an apple in their mouths.

Anyway, on the drive to the friend’s house, I drilled him on being polite, using good manners, and making sure to keep his shoes off inside. I thought I had covered my bases. Um, not so much.

You see, I had forgotten to rehearse the procedure for picking him up. My son truly believed he would be able to stay with his friend for as long as he wanted. When I came to get him, he denied it, saying, “No, it’s not time to go home.” Then of course, the royal fit. The melodrama! The agony! The Evil Mommy who is taking him away from his FRIEND! And worse! The boy had Star Wars Legos!! :starwars: How dare I take him away from such bliss??!

With physical force, and a great deal of whining.

Next time (if there IS a next time!) I’ll know better. But for those of you who are parents, what would you suggest? What do you say to make sure the kids don’t act like little beasts when it’s time to leave?

Also–Lost is on tonight! What will happen to Michael?

And I think either Elliott or Katherine will go home tonight on American Idol. Everyone was going on about how great Elliott is. Not so sure about that. I like his voice but not the style of music he does.

On the writing front…it’s been suspiciously quiet from Agent Land. And Publisher Land. But at least I have half of another book finished!