Powers of Persuasion. When you're 6.

So, Sam's teacher called me the other day. "We've been having a little trouble with Sam," she said.

My first response was to smile. Odd, I know. Thing is, I KNOW Sam. I know he's a smart kid, relatively well behaved, a delight to his teachers, generally speaking. So trouble from Sam means most likely, he's done something highly entertaining that has also been disruptive and thus requires a parental heads up.

Oh dear me, this child... I don't know what I'm going to do with him. As reported by his teacher, Sam has been setting up mini swap meets in his Kindergarten class, encouraging children to bring toys from home to trade with their friends. (I'm guessing as organizer he was able to claim the best prizes for himself?) A wise and aware teacher was able to stop all illicit trading before any "loot" was actually exchanged, so Sam transferred his powers of persuasion to the snack table.

Apparently, Twinkies and Oreos and other such goodies never consumed at home are far too tempting for Sam. He knows better than to steal, so he convinces, persuades, cajoles his friends into giving him their snacks.

"The thing is," his teachers said, "everybody loves Sam. Nobody wants to tell him no. So they give him their snack, and then sit there looking sad because they don't have anything to eat."

Oh, sheesh.

And so, we had a lesson on what it means to manipulate, on how taking advantage of your friends will eventually lead to NOT having friends. Sam's a quick learner. He understood and promised to do better, and has, at last report, been much more respectful of his friends' belongings/food.

In the meantime, I can't help but wonder what lies in Sam's future. Law school? An acting career? Politics?

Oh, how he makes me laugh. And smile. And melt with love and fascination. You got to admit... he IS pretty irresistible.