Too bad. The closest Don Juan has come to contact with a brat was earlier this year when my sister visited with her family. Her younger child was about to turn 2 at the time.... and he's a boy . They live with two cats, a senior tabby and a young tuxedo hellraiser.

When they first arrived, I wanted to keep an eye on things, as Don Juan isn't used to young children. [Hang on. Don Juan is dangling his tail in front of the screen again. ] My nephew chased Don Juan around the kitchen table a bit. Then, Don Juan took refuge in the closet in my bedroom (also a favorite sleeping spot), and the boy didn't pursue the matter.

Actually, I feel really sorry for that PITA "Joel." I wouldn't have said it when *I* was 5 , but kids that age need structure in their lives. And if his mom won't give him healthy snacks (i.e. fruit slices, low-fat crackers), he'll never develop a taste for the stuff. Not to mention all the other health problems he could develop down the line from all the sweet stuff.

Uh-oh. I've gotten preachy. BIG DISCLAIMER I don't have any *human* kids. But I am the oldest of 9, and get chapter and verse on child-rearing from my sibs.

Liz