Kids between the ages of 3 and 7 are pretty amazing. They’re little screaming, snotting, jumping, and crashing balls of honesty. If they don’t like you, you know it. If they recognize you for the poopoo head that you are, they’re not afraid to tell you—to your face, in ear piercing tones. They haven’t yet developed the ability to filter their opinion of you. It’s simultaniously refreshing and completely unsettling.

That’s why, whenever I meet new kids, I come with cupcakes. Not just cupcakes, but cupcakes with sprinkles. It works every time. It’s irresistable. It’s my dirty little trick. Walk into their house with cupcakes and a smile on your face, and you’ve got an instant friend. And when they come and thank you for the cupcake with chocolate all over their face—well, there’s nothing better.