As a stay-at-home mom to two energetic boys, my daily routine often feels like a relentless cycle of saying “no” to requests that range from the silly to the downright absurd. “No candy for breakfast,” I insist. “Please pick up your toys.” “Applesauce is not finger paint!” The list goes on. Each day is filled with meltdowns, sibling squabbles, and my attempts to maintain a semblance of order in the chaos of toddler life.
However, everything changed on one spontaneous day when I decided to embrace a different approach: a day dedicated to saying “yes” to nearly all their whims. I was ready to let go of my usual parenting script and see what unfolded.
It all started when my youngest, Oliver, bolted to the pantry the moment he woke up. Instead of my usual firm denial of junk food for breakfast, I surprised myself and handed him two marshmallows. His eyes lit up with joy, and I felt a rush of happiness as the biggest smile spread across his face. In a moment of shared indulgence, I even popped a marshmallow into my own mouth.
When the boys requested to eat their cereal while watching cartoons, I happily complied and relished a hot cup of coffee in peace. No whining, no power struggles—just a tranquil morning.
As I asked them what they wanted to do, they enthusiastically shouted “Animals!” which was their way of saying they wanted to visit the zoo. I decided that there would be no tidying up the house or washing dishes before our outing. Instead, we dashed out the door, embracing the spontaneity of the day.
At the zoo, we delighted in animals, scooped up cotton candy, and collected plastic animal toys. It felt liberating to indulge them. Lunch at McDonald’s was a hit too: chicken nuggets, fries, and a toy, all wrapped up in a convenient package. I enjoyed the simplicity without the usual debates about food choices.
After a delightful nap, we treated ourselves to ice cream. As we sat outside, trying to lick away the melting sweetness, I couldn’t help but feel content watching my boys enjoy themselves.
We then made a stop at the park, allowing the boys to burn off some energy without the constraints of a schedule. This day was about flexibility, and it was refreshing to just relax and let them play until they were ready to leave.
As dinnertime rolled around, I was met with their suggestions: macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, applesauce, and a cookie. This sounds like a balanced meal to me! I didn’t even mind when bathtime was met with resistance. I decided to let it slide and focus on enjoying their company instead.
The evening culminated in a delightful mess of toys scattered across the floor. I refrained from nagging them to clean up and simply joined in their playtime. It dawned on me how rare it is for me to truly immerse myself in these moments. My mind usually wanders to worries about their nutrition or whether they’re hitting milestones.
Reflecting on the day, I realized how much joy it brought not just to them but to me as well. There was no stress, no yelling, and no nagging—just a carefree day filled with laughter and connection.
Yes, my home was a disaster, and I didn’t adhere to our usual routines, but that’s perfectly okay. Not every day needs to be structured or perfect. As a parent, it’s crucial to find a balance between discipline and fun, and perhaps incorporating more days like this could help us create lasting memories.
In summary, that day of saying “yes” reminded me of the importance of enjoying life with my boys amidst the chaos of parenting. Embracing spontaneity, even occasionally, can lead to beautiful moments that we will cherish.