There are so many opportunities to say ‘no’ to our children. It’s too dangerous, I’m too tired, there isn’t enough time, it’ll make a mess, yada yada yada.
Lately, I’ve been working on making the choice to say ‘yes!’ to my kids more often. When my daughter asked if she could light a candle today I said “yes!”
When the kids asked the other day if they could walk to Grandma’s, I said “Yes!”
When they asked yesterday if they could get out those playthings they love to play with but which have only a bazillion parts and pieces that spread out all over the floor, I said “Yes!”
Our days have been busy and full. My children are blessed to have a mother who was not gifted in the housekeeping department, and we’ve been away from home quite a bit lately. All this adds up to Mom saying ‘No!’ quite a lot. So instead of saying “no, not until . . .” or “no, because I don’t want . . . ” or “no, because you didn’t . . .” I’m looking opportunities to say “yes!”
As a result I have a daughter happy-dancing around the house very much like the flame dances on the wick of her candle and inventors creating amazing new possibilities for the future and children who are sleeping well at night because they’ve had plenty of fresh air & exercise.
Do you make a conscious effort to say ‘yes’ to your children? Or have you been following my pattern of saying ‘no’ too often?
Thanks for the visit. You’ll find all my I.R.L. visits by clicking on the coffee cup. See you tomorrow!
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Hi! I found you through the 31 Days facebook group. I’m the one who decided at the last minute not to do it, although I’m still blogging through October. This is one of the series I’m following. I struggle, too, with saying yes to my kids, especially when it’s messy or inconvenient. Thanks for this reminder today. Looking forward to more!
I’m so happy to have you along for this October ride, Lisa! I almost did not commit, but really wanted to be able to sit back and enjoy a little writing and sharing. I’m glad you are continuing your blogging, there’s no hard and fast rule that says October posts have to be a part of the 31 Days group, is there? In fact, saying ‘yes’ to my family more often means I’m saying ‘no’ to some of my online time like visiting facebook groups 🙂
Thank you for taking time out today and leaving your sweet comment. Blessings!
Funny, I just wrote a similar blog post this summer. I too am trying to say yes more often; especially if I didn’t have a real good reason for saying no! 🙂
I’ll pop over to have a look! I can always use a reminder to choose my words wisely. Thanks for stopping by for a visit today – have a wonderfully blessed weekend!