I grew up in the 70's and 80's. I remember when Nike came out with the "Just say no" slogan. I took it to heart. I said no to the drugs and the drinking and all the bad things. And I continue to practice that idea now in my parenting, but "Just say no" isn't a great parenting slogan to live by!
As a mother of 9, I find that I say "no". A lot. All the time. Then I saw this quote posted on Facebook by a friend, and I started thinking about it. Quite a bit.
Why, exactly, do I say no so often?
I have discovered that I often say no because I am being selfish.
I don't want to deal with the mess.
I don't want to be embarrassed.
I don't want to be inconvenienced.
I want my life to be stress- and hassle-free.
Well, as much as that's possible with 9 children, a dog, 6 snakes, a lizard, 7 hamsters, a turtle, several frogs....You get the idea!
Of course, there are things that we have to say no to sometimes. For their well-being, for their safety, because they're wrong, etc.
But I want to say YES!
Yes to...
Mommy, can I wear my church shoes in the house?
Can you play a game with me?
Can I paint?
Can we go for a walk?
Can I help you make dinner?
Do you want to sit on the swing?
Can I wear my rain boots {on a 90 degree day to the store with shorts. oh, and they have paint splattered on them}
Can I go out to eat with my friends?
Can I water your flowers?
Can I go to the store with you?
YES, YES, YES!
I want them to grow up feeling loved, don't I?
Just say YES!
