Every morning in our household begins with an enthusiastic flurry of activity. We have a queen bed alongside a single mattress on the floor, creating the perfect environment for cozy co-sleeping. For my little boys, this setup transforms into an irresistible jumping platform. They can bounce to their heart’s content without the risk of serious injury, and while the covers get tossed around and their giggles fill the air, I find myself saying, “Yes, you can jump on the bed. Just be careful not to knock over the baby!”
There are moments when saying yes to my kids is as easy as pie. “Yes, you can wear your superhero costume to the aquarium!” or “Yes, you can have cookies for breakfast today!” But then there are times when agreeing requires me to suppress my instincts and exercise a level of patience that feels daunting. It’s not always a whimsical adventure; saying yes can sometimes feel like a chore.
The Challenge of Creativity
Take coloring, for instance. As an adult, I enjoy the structured beauty of coloring within the lines. To me, it’s about creating a coherent image. Yet, my boys often choose to unleash their creativity in a more chaotic manner, splashing colors over characters in ways I find less than appealing. I often catch myself snapping, “Why can’t you just color inside the lines?” only to see their excitement dim. They don’t see it that way; they’re expressing themselves.
Realigning Expectations
This is the crux of learning to say yes: I must realign my expectations. We often assume that certain behaviors, like using markers on skin or jumping into puddles, are not acceptable. We’ve been conditioned to say no, but it’s crucial to understand that our children view the world differently. Beds can be for jumping, and muddy shoes can lead to joyful experiences. It’s about shifting our perspective.
Embracing the Messiness
Saying yes also means accepting the messiness that comes with it—smudged faces, mismatched outfits, and unconventional adventures. It can feel like a rebellion against the expectations of other parents, who may frown upon your child’s muddy shoes or colorful faces. Indeed, one day my son wore his Boba Fett costume to the store, which garnered smiles and high-fives from strangers. One teen remarked, “If you can’t go to Target dressed as a space bounty hunter at five, when can you?”
Nurturing Creativity and Spirit
As parents, let’s embrace these “yes” moments while our children are still young. They have a lifetime ahead of them where “no” will frequently be the answer. So let’s nurture their creativity and spirit now. By doing so, we also give ourselves permission to let go and enjoy the present.
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Conclusion
In summary, shifting our mindset to say “yes” more often not only enriches our children’s experiences but also allows us to enjoy the chaotic beauty of parenting. Let’s strive to cultivate a joyful atmosphere filled with creativity and exploration.