For a couple of years, my kids have been asking for a “Yes Day”—a 24-hour period where I agree to their requests (within reason). I kept putting it off, asking them what their ideal day would look like. Their answer? Unlimited screen time.
Now, let me clarify: my kids are not deprived of electronics. We’ve had countless days filled with video games and movies, so I could easily accommodate that request. However, a genuine “Yes Day” requires more creativity, which is part of why I hesitated.
If we’re going to commit to a full day of saying yes, my kids need to brainstorm activities. I also mentioned we should create some ground rules, but that was about as far as we got in planning. After watching the new Netflix film Yes Day featuring Jennifer Garner, I’m now motivated to finally schedule our own “Yes Day.”
The film, inspired by Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s book of the same name, showcases the importance of joy in family life. Garner, who played a pivotal role in bringing the film to life, expresses her desire for joy in her work and personal life. She explains, “I pitched it, produced it, found the writer. I wanted to do this and chose to work. I need joy as a person. And I need joy coming at me. I need to put it out there. I felt like this was a chance to do it. And I think we did.”
While watching the movie, my children and I found genuine happiness, as well as reminders of the appreciation we can sometimes overlook in our daily lives—especially during these challenging times.
The film opens by contrasting life pre-kids to life with them. It’s much simpler to say yes to fun when it’s just you or your partner. Once kids enter the picture, we quickly learn that their ideas of fun often involve risky behavior and usually pop up at the least convenient times, like right before bed or during homework.
It’s not that we don’t want our kids to enjoy themselves; we just want to keep them safe. The instinct to say no often kicks in, leading to benign requests being denied. Sorry, kiddos, I know you just wanted ice cream, but my mind went to “Can we set the porch on fire?”
While watching Yes Day, I was struck by how often parents say no. I noticed the disappointment on my children’s faces when they anticipated being told “not today.” I see that same look at home, and it breaks my heart. Despite my busy and stressful life—as Garner portrayed in the movie—I want to cultivate a more playful atmosphere with my kids before they outgrow it.
Time flies, and my oldest is already 10! My twins are almost eight, and we’re in a great phase for creating lasting memories together. Yes Day served as a reminder to seize the moment while they still have that childlike wonder.
A refreshing aspect of Yes Day is its exploration of family dynamics, highlighting how one parent often takes on the fun-loving role while the other manages the rules and schedules. My children recognized this dynamic as it unfolded in the film. Initially, they thought I should be more like the “fun dad” character.
Of course, my ex-partner and I have our unique parenting styles, but we share the responsibilities. The film opened a dialogue with my kids about the complexities of parenting, allowing them to understand my thought process. They could see their reflection in the chaotic, loud world of childhood and gradually began to appreciate the challenges I face.
I expressed my desire to say yes more often and encouraged my kids to help create fun plans for our eventual “Yes Day,” especially considering how restrictive the pandemic has been. We agreed that we could patiently wait a few more months to fully embrace a well-planned day of yes.
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In summary, watching Yes Day reminded me of the importance of embracing the playful spirit of childhood and saying yes more often. It sparked conversations with my kids about our family dynamics and the challenges that come with parenting. Together, we look forward to planning a true “Yes Day” soon!