Just Say Yes

Somewhere along our parenting journey, Derek and I started saying "yes" to our kids more often. I think it began when Aaron started school. What we thought would last forever (keeping kids at home with us all day) was now behind us. So when one of the kids asks us to play, build something, or help in the kitchen, we say yes as often as we can. Of course we don't say yes to everything, and there are times when I really don't feel like saying yes. But every time I really want to say no, and I say yes instead, I have no regrets. I really like not having regrets.

One night last month was one of those times. It was late. Derek and I were both tired. But Aaron asked us to set up his Star Wars volcano. It's a bit messy, and he definitely can't set it up himself. We just looked at each other and didn't need words to communicate what we were thinking. Someday soon Aaron won't be interested in setting up that volcano. It will become another used up toy in our basement. So we said yes. I gathered the ingredients from the kitchen and Derek cleared a spot at the table. We watched Aaron play with his volcano...and Derek said to me, "I just couldn't come up with a good reason to tell him no, you know?" Oh yes, I know.

That night as we tucked in our very happy 8 year old boy, and left his room, we had no regrets. Derek even cleaned everything up. There are so many times when we don't get this parenting thing right. But this is one of those times when we nailed it, and I don't want to forget it. :)