He said yes, and that there was a really cool scooter someone had brought. And, apparently, joyriding on the the scooter for two hours caused temporary amnesia.

These are the times where you simply need to laugh or cry. Or have a conversation like, "OK, when I take you to the soccer field for soccer practice, tell me what you think needs to happen there." And keep at it until you elicit the appropriate response.

These are times of pure confusion for a mother. And, though the temptation to get angry is strong, when you let that go there comes a sweet feeling of calm, curious disbelief and interest. Yes, this is a time to marvel, ladies. To marvel at the delightful, creative reasoning inside a child's mind.

It's a time to attempt understanding when, for example, a child who gouged a hole into the truck dashboard with a screwdriver while waiting for his father explained that he "wanted to see what was underneath."

So my thought to you this week is just when you think it's going well, be prepared for a few back-to-school surprises. As they come your way, remember to feign curiosity rather than feel frustration. And, for a small moment in time, you too may be able to enter into the marvelous world of a child's way of thinking.

LIFETip: When back-to-school surprised, breathe, count to three, and remember that this will be funny in 10 years.