The Yes Project

Today, it struck me how often I say "no" to the kids.

"No, don't jump on the couch!"

"Leave your sister alone.  Don't do that."

"Don't mess with him."

No, you may not have dessert."

I started thinking about some of the ways I say no without thinking about it.

"No, I can't get your water."

(I want to teach them responsibility, right?)

"No, we can't take a break from school."

(Because we need to make sure we get all of our books completed during our scheduled time, right?)

"No, we can't play a game right now."

(Because mommy's got a million other things I should be doing.)

But, are those the "no's" I want to say?  I know that "no" is necessary and needed at times, but are these the "no's" I want my kids to remember?

What if instead of saying no.... I said yes!

"Yes, I can get your water."

(because in this simple act I show you love and serving others)

"Yes, we can take a break from school."

(Let's laugh and play and have fun, and realize we can finish later.)

"Yes, we can play a game right now."

(The laundry, cooking, and cleaning will always be there waiting, and I can return emails and texts later tonight.)

What if?

Well, I'm going to try it!

Tomorrow I am participating in "The Yes Project".  Never heard of it?  Well, that's because I made it up!  (I think) :)  Tomorrow I plan to say "yes" to my kids as often as I can, and to put "no" on a shelf until Friday.  (unless bodily harm will come to one of my kids) ;)

So, if you happen to see my kids tomorrow, (which would probably mean you come and knock on our door since I'm hoping for an at home, in our pj's, doing school kind of day), please don't tell them!  If they get wind of my experiment I am sure the asks will increase from "can we have a break from school?" to "can we eat chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?" and "can you give me a thousand dollars?"  :)

I'll report back how it goes.  I don't expect this to become my new normal, but as I've been eating the Whole30 for the last 11 days I see that cutting out certain things are necessary in order to crave what's best.  My hope is that saying "yes" tomorrow will result in my considering more carefully what I say no to.

And just because I love to include pictures, here's a few of my little "soldiers".