Sneaky Lil' 4-Year-Old

We had just transferred from Brunswick, Maine to NTC Great Lakes, Illinois. Our new residence actually had a finished basement, which we deemed the twins' playroom.

The top of the basement stairs lead right into the dining room of our tri-level home. I had just finished making lunch for the boys, and had them sit down at the table to consume their PB&J's, Cheetos and apple slices.

Three of my four boys will scarf down their food in three seconds flat, but Alex (sweet little Alex) takes after his mom, and eats very slowly.

Brandon, Koby and Kaleb finished quickly, then rushed downstairs to finish their game. I had just reminded Alex of our rule, "No eating in the basement."

I sat down to rest on the couch, trying to shake an awful headache, but could easily view Alex's progress at the dining room table from there.

Alex is autistic, and is known for saying nonsense, out-of-the blue statements. I had my eyes closed for a few minutes when I heard his soft voice say, "Mom . . . Just beeeeeee quiet . . . don't say anything." I thought to myself, "How sweet . . . he knows my head is hurting and he's trying to take care of me."

A few more minutes pass in complete silence (which all parents know is a sign of their child being "up to no good."). I glance up just in time to see Alex, with his bowl of chips in hand, sneaking ever-so-quietly toward the basement door. He was in the midst of taking another tip-toe step, when I cleared my throat to let him know he had been caught in the act.

He glared over at me, without missing another rhythmic stride and repeated, "Mom . . . don't say anything . . . just beeeeeeee quiet!" Then he hurried down the basement stairs convinced that his words would prevent the wrath of Mom.

What I had interpreted as a expression of concern for his ailing mother was really premeditated, devious plot to get away with breaking the rules. Go figure!