My Teenage Kids Can't Outsmart Me Yet

I'm not ashamed to admit that I secretly love when my kids think they can trick me into letting them stay out late or sneak snacks past bedtime. They come up with all these clever excuses and promises, but I've been around the block a few times. Once they start rattling off their reasons for needing more freedom or trying to guilt-trip me with sad puppy eyes, I just smile and say 'Nice try.' It's amusing how hard they work at it, though. They'll never know that I'm on to them, but I'm glad they're putting thought into being responsible, even if it’s not always for the right reasons.