A few months ago, my then two-year-old daughter, Madison, after waking from her afternoon nap said, "Mommy, I am too hungry. I want to eat a whole fish!" I burst out laughing as I pondered how to satisfy her need. The smart quips, loving caresses and kisses that make you forget the scolding you were contemplating; the live entertainment of songs and nursery rhymes and the radiant face that greets you in the morning, are just some of the joys I experience as a mother. But then ...

"Madison, stop doing that! Don't you hear me? I am talking to you. Are you going to send me to the madhouse?"

"Mommy, YOU are driving me crazy!"

The nightmare of screaming, shouting, crying, fussing and disobedience begins. I stop long enough to wonder, "Why can't she be sweet and innocent all the time? If only she were three weeks old again instead of three years old!"

To maintain my sanity, I act quickly to put out the fire that is raging fervently between us. I read one book, two books, three books if necessary. If that doesn't work (which is rare, as she loves books and stories), I turn on the TV. I search my collection of DVDs, make a few suggestions: Barbie, Barney, Elmo, Nemo and others - one of which must bear fruit. When all else fails, we go outside to 'cool off'. And then ...

"I love you so much mommy." I smile.

"Love you too, Maddie."

The battle is over!

- Janece Howell-Morgan,

Germs are good. Don't be careless with your children but don't be anal about keeping them away from germs. You can never keep germs away from your babies. They will get a cold. Things will fall on the floor and they will pick them up and put them in their mouths; they'll even lick the floor. Just know that germs can help build their immune systems.