A story I just read on another blog about how kids (in the story, her) hear things and how the things they hear are applied reminded me of a story I tell on my son.

Tom was about three years old (19 now) and Manda would have been one. I was driving across the state with the two kids to visit my parents (my husband opted not to go that trip).

I had to stop for gas and Tom, being four (and having a bladder the size of a walnut), had to use the restroom. The key was at the checkout and was attached to a large piece of wood (like driftwood). I waited while Tom used the only restroom. When he came out I told him to take the key back to the counter while I used the restroom (Manda was sleeping in the locked car).

I didn't think that one through very well.

I was putting my hand on the doorknob to leave just as the key opened the other side; a very surprised gentleman was getting ready to come in! Yes, the counter had given the key away - why shouldn't they, after all - we gave it back.

Tom was standing right there watching the whole thing. I asked him, "why didn't you tell him I was in there?"

His four-year-old answer: "You told me not to talk to strangers.