I was thrilled the other day when my sister said...
"Your a YES mom!"
Little does she know that I made a decision very early into motherhood, that I wanted to say "YES" to my kids!
I expect them to say "YES" to me...and "YES" always feels better than "NO"!
How to be a "YES" mom?
The real answer is ....just pause and think before answering!
I have been working on this for 11 years...and I still have to pause and think.
Often, we are trying to juggle a million things every day...Laundry, dishes, homeschool or homework, picking up, paying bills, making food x3, and entertaining all the kiddos!
So when our kids come to us with their own creative idea, or activity it is easy to feel overwhelmed and say...
"Not now".....means NO
"Maybe later".....means NO
"I don't have time"...means NO
It's easy to turn those moments into YES moments!
"That sounds fun, lets set a time to do that this week!"
"Very Creative, figure out the details, and I'll help you put it together!"
"Great idea, let's do it!"
When talking to the kids, I try and make eye contact with them, so they know that I am listening, and then I acknowledge their desire, and address it in the best positive way possible!
It takes an extra 30 secs. to say "YES", to them!
Of course, positive "yes", quickly turns to a new creative "no"...if there isn't a follow through.
So I try to put it on the weekly schedule as soon as possible!
"Your a YES mom!"
Little does she know that I made a decision very early into motherhood, that I wanted to say "YES" to my kids!
I expect them to say "YES" to me...and "YES" always feels better than "NO"!
How to be a "YES" mom?
The real answer is ....just pause and think before answering!
I have been working on this for 11 years...and I still have to pause and think.
Often, we are trying to juggle a million things every day...Laundry, dishes, homeschool or homework, picking up, paying bills, making food x3, and entertaining all the kiddos!
So when our kids come to us with their own creative idea, or activity it is easy to feel overwhelmed and say...
"Not now".....means NO
"Maybe later".....means NO
"I don't have time"...means NO
It's easy to turn those moments into YES moments!
"That sounds fun, lets set a time to do that this week!"
"Very Creative, figure out the details, and I'll help you put it together!"
"Great idea, let's do it!"
When talking to the kids, I try and make eye contact with them, so they know that I am listening, and then I acknowledge their desire, and address it in the best positive way possible!
It takes an extra 30 secs. to say "YES", to them!
Of course, positive "yes", quickly turns to a new creative "no"...if there isn't a follow through.
So I try to put it on the weekly schedule as soon as possible!
With all that said....I follow the Madagascar Motto....
"The answer will always be YES...unless NO is required!"
I am the mom...and NO is required sometimes! :)
"The answer will always be YES...unless NO is required!"
I am the mom...and NO is required sometimes! :)
7 comments:
Yes!! I love this. So many times I start to automatically say, "No", but really it could be a yes. I also agree with you that you're the parent and sometimes no has to be no. Thanks for the reminder!
Love this post. You're such a great example and an awesome mama!
Great post! I am often the mom that says, 'maybe later." But what a great way of acknowledging them by putting it on the calendar and following through with some of their requests!
You're family is beautiful!
It's funny you're writing about this, because I use you as an example every time I use the term "yes mom." I have been so inspired by your sense of adventure and possibility. Your kids dream big because they have a mom who has taught them that all things are possible. I SO WANT TO BE A YES MOM more and more. I think we serve a YES God, after all.
I love you and miss you. I don't have too many yes moms in my life these days. So glad I can still follow along with all of your amazing yes's.. even if its from afar.
I am going to practice being a Yes Mom. You're a wonderful inspiration! You know, it can really make a huge impact on a kid's life to realize that they can do what they dream of doing. All it takes is a little planning and creativity.
Beautiful post! I try to be a yes mom, too!
Love this too! Wonderful post and you are a fabulous Mom.
Have not been in to comment a lot lately but so glad that I saw this post!
Take care,
Kerri
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