Children really seem to enjoy themselves at Wonder Junction. Unfortunately, when it is time to leave, some children have a difficult time saying goodbye. Sometimes the most mild-mannered child can instantly turn into a sobbing, defiant ball of unhappiness. Or he or she might have a meltdown and ooze into a tiny puddle of anguish and agony. Or he or she may decide to flee from the grown-ups in hopes of staying to play just a little while longer. Once the child-in-question's grown-up has apprehended the child and explained that it is, in fact, time to go, sometimes an all-out tantrum may be his or her next (or last) line of defense (depending on how close it is to nap time).

Grown-ups, do not worry. It happens to the best of parents. I might step in kindly (only if you seem receptive to my help) in the hopes of allowing you to feel better about the situation. I might cheerfully offer assistance helping your child's sibling zip up his or her coat and velcro up brother or sister's shoes as you deal with the unhappy situation. (This is only to make your family more comfortable - I am no hero or self-important savior.) Experience has taught me several strategies for helping children understand that it's time to go. Therefore, I might address the child-in-question gently (never ever harshly), offering him or her an opportunity to ring the cool bell that usually sits on the counter (right near the door for easier exiting). Or, if it is closing time, I might ask him or her to help me close up Wonder Junction by locking the gate or putting up the closed sign on the door. And my intervention might be successful, and I might even get a high-five from your child as he or she tearfully leaves, while you explain that you'll be back to play sometime soon. Experience has also taught me that these strategies are about as effective as a roll of the dice. Children are unpredictable and don't have much power in the world, so when they try to stand firmly by their principles (in this case, wanting to stay and play), my intervention might be a big, old waste of time. After all, we can't help how we feel, and as grown-ups, we have ways of dealing with disapointments. As parents know well, all little ones haven't developed the appropriate methods for handling discontent.

Please, don't ever be embarrassed or ashamed of a bad scene leaving. Usually, leaving gets easier with each visit. If it doesn't, well, just take pride and relief in knowing that your child has excellent taste in his or her choice of clean, welcoming and enriching play centers. Please don't leave in shame, vowing never to return. My children are eleven years old. I have tried to suppress all memories of those trying days when my girls were much younger, and reasoning had no effect on their toddler behaviors. However, you will not be judged or treated as an inconvenience. Your child will not be judged or treated as an inconvenience. After all, having a hard time saying goodbye is just another sign of a satisfied customer, and your family will always be welcomed back again. Really, you will be.

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