As parents, we often find ourselves reflexively saying “no” to our children without fully considering their requests. This knee-jerk reaction is understandable; we’re conditioned to protect and guide our kids, which often translates to a constant stream of refusals.
“Can we go to that new movie, Mom?”
“No, it’s not appropriate for your age.”
“Can I have a cupcake?”
“No, it’s almost mealtime.”
“Can I bring my rock collection on our trip?”
“Are you serious? You want to bring rocks?”
Sound familiar? Many of us have those days (or weeks) when “no” becomes our default response. The reasons can vary: parental fatigue, the chaos of daily life, or simply losing track of our thoughts. While being the authority figure is part of the job, it can be exhausting—and frankly, a bit dull.
To shake things up and alleviate some of that guilt, consider adopting a “Yes Day,” inspired by the delightful tradition that Rachel Ellis has established with her children. This idea, which comes from Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s book Yes Day!, is all about breaking free from routine. Even if it leaves you feeling a bit drained, the joy it brings is worth it.
The goal isn’t to let your kids run wild, ordering every toy online or indulging in junk food galore. Instead, it’s about turning an ordinary day into a memorable adventure—whether that means visiting a favorite amusement park, enjoying a special meal, or even having dessert for breakfast.
Transforming a typical day into a fun-filled “kids-rule” experience can be refreshing for everyone involved. And why limit it to just once a year? Imagine how thrilled your children would be to celebrate their birthdays with a Yes Day tradition!
Rachel is so passionate about the concept that she’s now set to produce and star in a movie based on it—bringing even more attention to this wonderful idea. Just think of the anticipation that a day like this could create for your family, even if it takes a little time to recover afterward. I’m excited to incorporate this into our family traditions!
However, let’s not forget the importance of self-care. Moms deserve a Yes Day of their own—one where you get to decide what brings you joy.
Should I treat myself to that new handbag? Yes!
Should I indulge in a mid-afternoon nap? Absolutely!
Should I go for that giant scoop of ice cream? Without a doubt!
Make sure you carve out a Yes Day for yourself as well, because you truly deserve it. After all, fair is fair, right? YES!
For more on family adventures and parenting tips, check out our other posts at Intracervical Insemination. And if you’re interested in home insemination, Make A Mom is a great resource. For deeper insights into your pregnancy journey, visit Hopkins Medicine.
Summary
Embracing a ‘Yes Day’ for your kids can transform the mundane into memorable experiences. Inspired by Rachel Ellis, this tradition allows parents to break away from the usual “no” and create a fun-filled day. Don’t forget to plan a Yes Day for yourself too—because you deserve it!