Most parents and teachers have to confiscate video games or toys from their children. Son #1’s teacher and I have to keep confiscating books. Left to his own devices, I’ve caught him reading at 11:30 pm on a school night. His teacher finds him reading when he’s supposed to be doing math or paying attention to the lesson.

The other night I had a strong suspicion he was reading. I walked by his room and he looked guilty. I walked in and said “Hand over the book.” He sighed and passed me the book. Then I said “Hand me the light.” To my astonishment, he passed over a light, but it was not a flashlight. He had taken pieces from an electrical circuit set he got for Christmas and BUILT himself a light. I was floored. I did a mental fist shake at God. How am I supposed to stay one step ahead of a kid this smart?!

Every night since I’ve gone on book patrol. I walk in his room and throw back the covers. I search the whole bed while he giggles. I search under him, under his pillows. The first time I did this he was indignant and said as I was leaving the room “MOM! You’re just like Professor Snape with the ‘Turn out your pockets, Potter.’ ” I gave a big hrrrumpphhhh as I walked out. Indeed. Professor Snape would be reduced to a broken, sniveling cry baby in a mere matter of minutes with this kid.