Recently, I embarked on a little experiment. My children, aged 3 and 4, had been particularly challenging lately, displaying frequent tantrums, loud outbursts, and endless whining. As someone who tends to fix problems, I viewed their behavior as an issue that needed resolution. Naturally, I thought I could transform their difficulties into something positive.
I decided to implement a “yes” day, where I would cater to their every desire. My hope was that by granting them everything they wanted, their happiness would flourish, and our home life would resemble a joyful Disney movie scene, filled with laughter, hugs, and maybe even a Randy Newman soundtrack in the background.
The day began with enthusiasm. We engaged in their favorite activities, created new games, danced, sang, and even donned costumes. We played with Play-Doh, colored, and, in a moment of desperation, I even allowed glitter into the mix. We visited the park, indulged in their favorite snacks, and I let them assist in preparing dinner, which included baking muffins. I laughed at their jokes and celebrated every little achievement.
Although it was an exhausting day, I anticipated a beautiful outcome. Yet, the reality was quite different—nothing changed. The whining, crying, and tantrums persisted. They still felt dissatisfied, and their behavior remained unchanged.
What I discovered was profound. Toddlers and preschoolers are not problems to be solved. Despite my efforts to counteract their challenging behaviors, they remained true to themselves—young individuals navigating their way through life. They are learning about boundaries, cause and effect, and their roles within the family. They are figuring out how to express their emotions, even if it means hitting their sibling out of jealousy over chocolate chip distribution in our muffin batter.
This experience taught me that a single “yes” day—or even several—would not rectify their behavior. Children are not puzzles to be fixed; they are individuals who need love, guidance, and support. They require a nurturing figure, a mentor, and someone who listens, rather than just a day filled with indulgence.
As someone who tends to want to mend things, I realized I cannot fix my children. However, I can provide them with my best each day. What I can offer varies—some days I have the patience for puzzles or repeated knock-knock jokes, while other days are more challenging. Recognizing that I am human, just like them, helps me accept that some days will be better than others. By giving my all daily, I trust that they will grow into wonderful individuals.
Moving forward, my aspiration is to spend more evenings feeling fulfilled in my role as a mother and fewer nights worrying about my parenting choices. I hope you can join me in this journey of acceptance and growth.
For those interested in parenting tips and resources, consider exploring the article on home insemination kits or check out this guide on engaging children in conservation efforts. Additionally, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development offers valuable information regarding pregnancy and family planning.
In summary, I learned that being a parent is not about fixing my children but about loving and guiding them through their journey of growth.