For years, my kids have been asking for a “Yes Day” – a special 24-hour period where I agree to their requests (within reason, of course). I often sidestepped their enthusiasm by asking them what their dream day would look like. Their answer? Unlimited screen time.
Now, while my kids are certainly not deprived of electronics, we’ve had plenty of days filled with video games and movies. However, a genuine “Yes Day” requires more creativity—and that’s why I’ve hesitated to commit. If we’re going to embark on this adventure, my kids need to brainstorm fun activities and destinations. I also mentioned that we’d need to set a few guidelines, but that’s as far as we’ve gotten until now.
After watching the Netflix film “Yes Day” featuring Jennifer Garner, the idea resurfaced, and I’m now determined to set a date for our own special day. The film is inspired by Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s book of the same name. Garner has made it a tradition to have one “Yes Day” each year with her kids, driven by a desire for joy and connection. As she shared with Scary Mommy, she took the initiative to pitch and produce the movie because she believes in the importance of joy—something we all need, especially now.
While watching the movie, my kids and I found joy as well as valuable reminders about our family dynamics that can be lost in the busyness of life—especially during a pandemic. The film contrasts carefree adult life with the complexities of parenting. It’s much easier to say yes to fun when it’s just you or your partner, but with kids, their idea of “fun” often comes with risky decisions and inconvenient timing.
Kids, it’s not that we don’t want you to enjoy life. It’s just that keeping you safe is our priority, and sometimes that means saying no more than we’d like. I recognized their disappointment when they expected a no, and I empathized with the frustration I often see on their faces. I get caught up in my own stress and busyness, which can take away from playful moments that I wish to cherish before they grow up. My oldest is already 10, and the twins are nearly eight—it’s a golden time for making memories.
An interesting perspective the film offers is the portrayal of parenting roles. It highlights how typically one parent is the fun-loving one—often a dad—while the other takes on the organization and rule enforcement—often the mom. My kids noticed this dynamic clearly. They initially suggested I should adopt the “fun dad” persona, but I’m glad we share responsibilities fairly.
The movie opened their eyes to my thought process and made them more appreciative of the challenges I face. While they might not change their behavior immediately, they’re beginning to understand why I can’t always say “yes.” I also expressed my desire to embrace a “yes” mentality more often, encouraging spontaneous fun like ice cream for dinner. We even talked about planning a proper “Yes Day” once the COVID threat lessens.
We all agreed that the constant “no” during the pandemic has been tough, but we’re willing to wait a few more months to fully embrace a day dedicated to saying yes.
For more insights on parenting and family planning, check out this blog post on home insemination and learn more about the benefits of guided support from intracervical insemination experts. The CDC also provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Watching “Yes Day” with my kids was a powerful reminder of the importance of joy and connection in our family. It encouraged us to rethink our parenting dynamics and the frequency of “no” responses. As we plan our own “Yes Day,” we’re excited to embrace spontaneity and make lasting memories together.