Yes days

Do you ever have those days where you feel like you are constantly telling your kids "No"?

Since Bailey has become more independent and adventurous I find myself telling her "No" more often thoughout the day. {We are doing our best not to just tell her no, but to give reason for not letting her have/do something} 

No, don't touch the fireplace screen.

No, we can't go into the backyard.

No, you can't have Mommy's cell phone.

No, don't throw your food.

No, stay out of the mud.

No, let Mommy go to the bathroom alone.

I've come to realize, that most of the time, when I'm saying no to something that she wants it's because I'm tired or being lazy or doing something else that needs my attention. So, that's when I decided that I need to give Bailey some Yes days.

Days where, no matter how tired I am or how many chores I need to get done that day, we will do what Bailey wants {of course, within reason}:

Yes, we can go play in the backyard and Mommy will pull you around in your wagon.

Yes, play in the mud and water table, you can take a bath later.

Yes, we can go get ice cream

{ok, maybe that me saying yes to myself, but it is a yes day afterall!}

Yes, we can go for a walk around the cul-de-sac.

Yes, you can eat with your hands and get messy and take another bath today.

Yes, you can be in just your diaper (or less) for a bit today.

I began to notice that on the Yes days my chores might not have gotten done, I might have had to stay up a bit later to finish some items on my to-do list, but we made memories. I was able to focus on Bailey and see her smile and giggle and enjoy life (have you ever played hide-and-seek with a 1 year old? It's amazing how much joy it brings to both of us!). We played out front and spent time with our neghbors, instead of just waving in passing and saying a polite Hello. We might have had mac n cheese for dinner, we might have gotten dirty and needed a few baths (or a quick wash in the sprinklers) but at the end of the day, I didn't feel worn out, I didn't feel discouraged by being the strict parent that day. 

I was able to enjoy the day with my sweet girl.

I'm ok with dishes in the sink, laundry needing to be folded, and a messy den as long as we are happy, healthy, and enjoying our lives together! 
 

 


Me and my favorite cowgirl!