There are days when my life with two rambunctious toddlers feels like a never-ending loop of “no.” No, you can’t have cookies for breakfast. Yes, please put your toys away. No, applesauce is not finger paint! And for the love of all things holy, please stop hitting your brother! As a stay-at-home mom, I’m entrenched in the daily grind, navigating meltdowns and sibling squabbles like a pro. It’s a wild ride filled with laughter and tears—often at the same time.
Amidst my constant reminders and pleas for baths or even just one bite of dinner, I often feel like a broken record. My voice fades into the background noise, and I wonder if I’m even being heard. That’s when my husband, Mike, swoops in like a superhero. The moment he walks through the door, my kids light up, showering him with affection that I can only dream of receiving. Suddenly, they’re eager to clean up the toys I’ve been urging them to pick up all day. They devour dinner and practically beg for bath time—all because Dad asked.
In my kids’ eyes, I’m the villain. The one who enforces rules and says no more often than yes. It’s a tough job, and while I know it’s essential, I can’t help but crave the same adoration they shower on Mike. After all, he’s out all day, and I’m the one holding down the fort.
So, I decided to flip the script. I was going to have my day—a day of fun, where I’d say “yes” to almost everything. I envisioned a day filled with joy and affection, and here’s how it unfolded:
My 2-year-old, Jake, bolted to the pantry as soon as he woke up, seeking junk food instead of the wholesome breakfast I had prepared. Normally, I would have said no to marshmallows. But that day? I said yes and handed him two. The joy on his face was priceless—like I just handed him the moon. I even joined the party and popped one in my mouth.
When they asked for cereal in front of the TV, I said yes. And guess what? I savored a hot cup of coffee while watching the news—no whining, no fussing. It was blissful.
After a quick chat, they shouted “Animals!” which meant one thing: the zoo. No need to clean up toys or do dishes; we simply grabbed our shoes and dashed out the door. Was this what spontaneity felt like? It was refreshing!
Our zoo adventure was filled with animals, cotton candy, and those adorable little plastic animal toys. Seriously, is this what it feels like to be a grandparent? I totally get why they love you guys so much!
For lunch, we hit up McDonald’s for some Happy Meals—fries, nuggets, and a toy. The convenience of a drive-thru and a pre-made meal was a dream come true. No endless negotiations about what they wanted to eat, only to have them turn up their noses.
Post-lunch, we indulged in ice cream because, really, why not? We sat outside, racing against the melting ice cream, and I cherished the sticky smiles on my boys’ faces.
We then visited the park, where they could run wild. There was no clock-watching or rushing home for dinner; we stayed until they decided it was time to leave. It felt amazing to just sit back and relax.
When dinner rolled around, they suggested macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, applesauce, and cookies. Honestly, it sounded like a feast fit for kings! I didn’t have to stress about meal prep or whether they would eat it.
Bath time? Forget about it. Instead of coercing them into the tub, I let it slide. Maybe I’d just get them later with a wet wipe.
As the day wound down, the living room was a disaster zone, and I didn’t nag once. We played dinosaurs on the floor, lost in the moment. It hit me how rarely I let go of my worries and just enjoyed time with my kids.
Reflecting on that day, I realized I had more fun than I ever expected. I focused on making it enjoyable for them, but the joy spilled over to me, too. No stress, no nagging, no worries—it was liberating. Sure, the house was a wreck. I didn’t hit any nutritional goals, but that was okay. Not every day can be perfect.
While I know I can’t let loose every day—housework and discipline are part of the gig—maybe it’s time to embrace a little spontaneity now and then. A day of fun sprinkled in here and there might just remind us all how to have fun and create cherished memories, rather than getting bogged down in the monotony of daily life.
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In summary, embracing a day of “yes” proved to be a refreshing break from routine, allowing for spontaneous fun and deeper connections with my kids.