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For the past couple of years, my children have been asking for a “Yes Day.” This is a day where, within reason, you agree to everything your kids request for 24 hours. I often delayed this idea by asking them what their dream day would entail, and they always responded with wanting unrestricted screen time.
Now, while they aren’t exactly deprived of electronics—believe me, we’ve had plenty of days filled with video games and movies—an authentic “Yes Day” involves much more creativity. If we’re going to have a true day of saying yes, my kids need to brainstorm fun activities or places they want to visit. I mentioned that we should set some ground rules, but that’s as far as we got in planning. After watching the new Netflix film “Yes Day,” featuring Jennifer Garner, I felt inspired to finally put our own “Yes Day” on the calendar.
The film is based on a book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and Garner, who turned her yearly family tradition into a movie, expressed her desire for joy in her life. She explained, “I pitched it, produced it, found the writer…I need joy as a person.” My kids and I definitely found joy in the film, and it reminded us to appreciate each other amidst the chaos of everyday life—especially during a pandemic.
The movie contrasts the carefree life of adults without kids to the hectic world of parenting. It becomes clear that when you have children, saying yes to their fun requests can lead to some risky decisions. The “fun” they propose often comes right before bedtime, during homework, or in the middle of a busy task, making it challenging for parents to say yes.
As we watched, I realized how often I say no to my kids, simply to keep them safe and maintain some semblance of order. I could see the disappointment on their faces when they expected a negative response. I know this feeling all too well; I hate seeing that look. While I juggle stress and busyness, much like Garner’s character, I want to embrace playfulness with my kids before they outgrow wanting to have fun with me.
With my eldest already at 10 and my twins nearing eight, we’re at the perfect age to create wonderful memories together. “Yes Day” served as a reminder to cherish their youth while we still can.
The movie also highlights the familiar dynamics in families, where one parent is often seen as the fun-loving one (typically the dad) while the other parent (usually the mom) is the organizer and rule enforcer. This dynamic isn’t lost on my kids—they recognized it while watching. Initially, they thought I should adopt more of the “fun Dad” approach. Thankfully, my ex and I share the responsibility of parenting, balancing each other out.
The film opened a dialogue between my kids and me about why I sometimes hesitate to say yes. They began to understand my thought process and the challenges I face. I reassured them that I want to say yes more often and will strive to incorporate more fun and spontaneous activities into our days. There’s nothing wrong with indulging in ice cream for dinner every now and then!
We also discussed the importance of planning a “Yes Day” once the threat of COVID-19 eases. We all agreed that saying no so frequently during the pandemic has been tough, but we can hold off a little longer to fully enjoy a well-planned day of yes.
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Summary:
In summary, watching “Yes Day” with my kids was an enlightening experience that reminded us of the importance of fun and spontaneity in our lives. The movie prompted reflections on family dynamics, the challenges of parenting, and the need to embrace joy together. We are now determined to plan our own “Yes Day” once it’s safer to do so, reminding us to appreciate these moments while they last.