Every morning in our house starts with a burst of energy as my two boys leap onto the bed. With a queen mattress paired with a single mattress on the floor, it creates the perfect setup for bouncing—an irresistible trampoline for little ones. They can’t really hurt the bed, and the fall isn’t far, so I often find myself gritting my teeth while saying, “Yes, you can jump on the bed. Just be careful not to somersault over your brother!”
Saying yes can be a delightful experience, like when I let them wear their superhero capes to the zoo or agree to ice cream for breakfast just this once. However, other times, it feels like an uphill battle against my instincts. It requires a level of patience and tolerance that isn’t always present. The journey of saying yes isn’t just about whimsy; it comes with its own set of challenges.
The Challenge of Coloring Outside the Lines
Consider coloring. Like many, I prefer to stay within the lines. It’s what coloring is all about, right? Yet, my boys often choose to create vibrant blocks of color on a picture of Anakin Skywalker, which I find less than appealing. When I ask, “Why not color inside the lines?” I see their enthusiasm deflate. They aren’t interested in my vision—they have their own.
Adjusting Our Expectations
The core challenge in saying yes is adjusting our expectations. As parents, we’ve been conditioned to say no. We believe that pens belong on paper, puddles shouldn’t be jumped in, and certain items shouldn’t be taken home. However, realizing this ingrained tendency is crucial if we want to embrace a “yes” mentality. We need to open our eyes and see the world from our children’s perspective. Beds can indeed be for jumping, ketchup might taste great on chips, and getting muddy can simply be about having fun, especially when we can clean up later.
Embracing the Messiness of Life
Saying yes means accepting the messiness of life—dirty faces, mismatched outfits, and unconventional paths up the slide. It can make us feel like we’re a spectacle to others, as I discovered when my son proudly wore his Boba Fett costume to Target. We received smiles and high-fives, with a teenager remarking, “If you can’t go to Target as Boba Fett at five, when can you?”
We only get one chance to be five years old. Let’s cast aside that internalized “no.” There will be plenty of time for our kids to hear “no” as they grow older. So, let’s give them a resounding “yes” now, which in turn grants us some freedom too. Take a moment to breathe deeply, relax, and embrace the power of yes.
Further Resources
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In summary, saying yes to our children not only enriches their childhood experiences but also allows us to let go of rigid expectations, fostering a more joyful family environment.