For a couple of years now, my kids have been clamoring for a “Yes Day”—a day where I agree to everything they ask (within reason) for a full 24 hours. I often delayed this special day by asking them what their dream activities would be, and unsurprisingly, their top request was unrestricted screen time.
First off, let’s be clear: my kids are hardly deprived of electronics. We’ve had plenty of days where they spent more hours gaming or watching movies than I can count, so there’s really no need to panic. However, a true “Yes Day” requires more creativity and planning—an aspect I’ve been hesitant to embrace.
If we’re going to commit to a full day of saying yes, my kids need to brainstorm fun ideas and activities. I also mentioned we’d have to set some ground rules, but beyond that, we hadn’t made any concrete plans. After watching the new Netflix film Yes Day, featuring Jessica Lively, I’m feeling inspired to finally schedule our own “Yes Day.”
The movie is based on a book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and before stepping into the role, Lively used the book as a guide to create a yearly “Yes Day” for her kids. Her pursuit of joy led her to develop the film, as she expressed to a parenting site, “I wanted to do this and chose to work. I need joy as a person. And I need joy coming at me.” Watching the film with my kids brought us joy, but it also served as a reminder to appreciate one another amidst our daily routines—especially during these challenging times.
The movie illustrates the stark contrast between life with and without children. It’s much easier to say yes to spontaneous fun when it’s just you and your partner. However, once kids enter the picture, the desire for adventure often collides with their innate capacity for risky decision-making. Fun often aligns with inconvenient times like bedtime or during important tasks.
It’s not that parents are against fun; rather, we want to ensure our kids’ safety, which can be exhausting. So, sometimes, the instinctive response is to say no to seemingly harmless requests. I know you asked for ice cream, but my brain translates that as Can we set the yard on fire?
Watching the movie allowed me to see how often kids hear “no.” I noticed the disappointment on their faces when they anticipated a refusal. It’s a look I see on my own kids’ faces far too often, and it’s a feeling I detest. Just like Lively’s character, I often feel overwhelmed, but I want to embrace more playfulness with my children before they outgrow it. My oldest is already ten, which is shocking! My twins are nearly eight, and we’re at a golden age to create wonderful memories together. “Yes Day” reminded me to seize this fleeting time.
An unexpected yet refreshing aspect of the film highlighted the dynamics of parenting. Typically, one parent is the fun-loving one, while the other handles the planning and discipline. My children recognized this dynamic and initially suggested I should be more like the “fun dad.” While my ex tends to be more lenient, I’m grateful that we share responsibilities. We parent differently but ensure that neither of us carries the burden alone.
The film gave my kids a glimpse into my thought process. They recognized the chaotic nature of childhood and began to understand the challenges I face when saying no. While they may not change their behavior overnight, they’re starting to appreciate my position a bit more. I reassured them that I want to say yes more often and will work on incorporating more fun into our daily lives. Parenting is a beautiful journey, and occasionally agreeing to ice cream for dinner is perfectly fine. We even had a broader conversation about planning a “Yes Day” once we’re beyond the pandemic.
We all acknowledged the drag of saying “no” so frequently due to current circumstances, but we can wait a bit longer to fully embrace a well-planned day of “yes.”
If you’re interested in similar topics, check out this post or explore resources like The Center for valuable insights on pregnancy and home insemination, and consider visiting Make a Mom for expert information on home insemination kits.
Search queries:
- home insemination kit
- home insemination syringe
- self insemination
- artificial insemination at home
- family planning tips
Summary: Watching the film Yes Day sparked a renewed commitment to plan a special day with my kids where I say yes to their requests, reinforcing our bond and reminding me to embrace the joy of parenting.