What To Do When A Door is Locked

So, people say that writing takes a persistent, mostly gentle touch most of the time.  Don't force.  Let the story tell itself.  Be sure your characters lead the story. But there are times, like in the revision process of this middle grade story for example, when I've had to call in the battering ram.  It's the beginning that  I'm confused about (nice way to say "tantrum-ing about") The second half of the story is where all the action begins, and that's actually working.  I have revised/scrapped, revised/scrapped for a while now.  Enough.  Battering ram, set to work.  Time to write a new beginning.  Let's crack this story open.