Even when you're trying your best, kids can sometimes still get the best of you.

Sharon had raised enough children to know that they can be little stinkers. They fake crying when they don't get their way. They lie right to your face even if you catch them in the act. And they pit parents against each other by asking one if the other says no.

And speaking of "no," in Sharon's experience, there was nothing harder than trying to keep a straight face when the toddler you're attempting to discipline laughs at you. She had been practicing this exercise in self-control for the last half hour with Ella.

First it was the toilet. Ella had taken to opening the lid and swishing her hand around inside the bowl. "No!" said Sharon firmly as she redirected her attention to one of her toys.

Then it was the kitchen cabinet. Of course, it was secured with a child safety lock, but it opened just slightly enough for Ella to fish her tiny little hand inside in an attempt to snatch a cookie. Sharon picked her up, shook a finger, and said, "No!"

She led her granddaughter into her bedroom and encouraged her to play with the Guidecraft Hideaway Kitchen instead. Ella seemed interested enough in the functioning knobs, clock, and dishwasher that Sharon felt comfortable allowing herself to be distracted by her magazine for a few minutes. But when she heard the little girl saying, "No no no no no" over and over in her tiny voice, she looked up from the page.

Ella was standing in front of the play kitchen and inching her hand slowly toward the pretend burner. She had one eyebrow raised and was staring defiantly at her grandmother as she did so.

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