Or the alternate title … creative uses for the Mini M&Ms in your kids’ trick-or-treat bags.
When it comes to being a parent, the word “no” freely flows out of your mouth without hesitation.
“Mom, can we…?”
No.
“Mom, can I…?”
No.
No. No. No.
It’s too late. We have things to do. That’s not what I planned. I don’t want to. The reasons are endless. Almost as endless as the questions coming from the kids. As a parent, we have a schedule (whether loose or tight) and a routine, and deviation from that could be disastrous. But what if …
What if we said “yes” more? “Yes” to a quick game of hide-and-seek even though dinner is nearly ready? “Yes” to one more book at storytime? “Yes” to the kids helping to make dinner? “Yes” to the kids emptying the dishwasher, even if things don’t end up in the right place?
I know I am just as guilty as the next parent. Nick usually wanders into the kitchen near dinnertime and wants to help. I’ve got everything under control and sometimes the help just isn’t, well, helpful. It slows things down. It changes the process. You know.
But I try. I try to say “yes” more. “Yes” when it’s really ok. When five minutes won’t make or break anything. When that little something extra makes a whole lotta difference. Just yes.
…