This morning I decided to be a “yes mom” and let Abby play in the soaking wet mess known as her sandbox. The intense downpours we had yesterday destroyed the cover I made for it and the sand was so soaked, there were standing puddles.
My first instinct was to tell her to let it dry out a little but then I decided, not a big deal to play in the mud. I could always just rinse her clothes out right away and stick her in the tub.
Guess what? She had a great time! She isn’t a messy kid but she loved it anyway. And I survived the mess.
It’s had me wondering ever since. How often am I not a “yes mom?” How often do I tellΒ Abby no for no real good reason? Or I tell her no because I’d rather do something else. I know I told her no sandbox last week for the pure reason that I didn’t want to open it so late in the day. And I know I told her no fair wandering a couple weeks ago at a competition because it was hot and I didn’t want to.
There are times where “no” really is the answer. When I’m trying to get ready for competition and do the grocery shopping in the same day, no, we cannot play outside. No, you may not throw pillows at the cat. No, we can’t do shaving cream paint right now. It’s too messy.
But sometimes….sometimes we need to say yes, even when it is an inconvenience for us. Go ahead and have that water fight in the kitchen. You can get some towels later. Put aside your to do list for 20 minutes and sit down and read some books together. And for goodness’ sake, do some shaving cream paint once in awhile. π
Sometimes we just have to say “yes” and take the time to not just take care of our kids, but to be with them as well. Sometimes we just have to take care of the messes later and enjoy the moment.
Libny says
Today we shall do shaving cream paint lol thanks for the post!
Julie @ Loggers Wife says
I’m thinking about letting Abby help scoop the seeds out of the pumpkin I have to roast. Pumpkin cleans off the walls, right? π
Dawn says
One piece of advice I heard a a baby shower long ago was to “Say yes as often as you can.” That certainly didn’t mean not to say, no, but as the veteran momma shared she revealed that there are indeed many times we say no w/o thinking of the reality of what we are saying NO to. Those moments when I don’t have a reason not to say ‘Yes’ have become blessed memories my kids still share out of the blue and it helps me to keep my feet grounded. I am so glad you said, yes. π
Blessings,
Dawn
Julie @ Loggers Wife says
Thanks for sharing, Dawn! Yes, I realize that I often say “no” automatically. Sometimes I think having worked daycare has taught me to say “no” first because of all those rules. I’m having to re-learn how to say “yes.” π
Nancy says
great read…i definitely fall into a habit of “saying no, at times, for no good reason” and will now rethink that and try to say “yes” more! thank you..and I’m sure my kids will too! ?