• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Lasso The Moon
  • Welcome
  • Parenting
  • Recipes
  • Family Games
  • Travel
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Welcome
  • Parenting
  • Recipes
  • Family Games
  • Travel
search icon
Homepage link
  • Welcome
  • Parenting
  • Recipes
  • Family Games
  • Travel
×

Home » Blog » Modern Parenting

5 Tips For a Lifetime of Yes Moments

Published: May 31, 2012 · Modified: Mar 17, 2021 by Zina Harrington · Post may contain affiliate links

3.6K shares

Have you read the book Yes Day! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal or seen the trailer for the new movie based on it on Netflix?

Generally, I love *all* of Rosenthal's work, but the concept of a "yes day," left me feeling unsettled.

I was scrolling through photos on my phone when I came across this set of pictures of my girls playing in the lake with their clothes on.

It helped me realize that...

Children don't need non-stop preposterous yes, yes, yes, for a full day. Children need a lifetime of small "yes moments."

5 Tips For a Lifetime of Yes Moments

Below are helpful tips for practicing saying yes:

1. Keep an open schedule.

If you are constantly rushed from one thing to the next there is no time to say yes. Leave gaps in your schedule for uncharted adventure.

2. Pause pausing before saying "No."

This week the girls and I found a sandy nook on the river. When they asked "Can we get wet?" my immediate thought was, "No way." Train yourself to pause before blurting out no.

3. Ask yourself these three questions before responding to any requests.

  • Will saying yes hurt or bother anyone?
  • Can the child learn anything from the situation?
  • Does it really (really) matter one way or another?

4. Give your kids the responsibility of their choice.

In the photo above it was a windy 70-degree day and we were a good 20-minute hike from the car. My response? "You're welcome to play in the water as long as there are no problems walking back to the car."

We then proceeded to enjoy forty-five minutes of unplanned relaxation. The girls created a little town with twigs and sticks while I sat on the shore and read my book. Their giggles were priceless.

5. Reward good behavior with more "Yeses."

The entire walk back to the car I didn't hear an "I'm cold" whine or a peep of complaint from either girl. Will I be more likely to say yes next time they ask to take a quick dip? YES.

Parent Homework:

Take a mental note of how often you immediately respond with a no. Practice pausing and saying, "YES." Saying yes may make you feel physically uncomfortable. Go for it anyhow.

When you offer your kids a lifetime of choice and yes moments, they don't need an over-the-top yes day.

sig

P.S. Below is an example of a "yes moment" from a recent trip to Texas.

Children don't need non-stop preposterous yes, yes, yes, for a full day. Children need a lifetime of small "yes moments."
Children don't need non-stop preposterous yes, yes, yes, for a full day. Children need a lifetime of small "yes moments."

More Parenting With Presence

  • Family Game Night Ideas: Tips For a Fun & Stress-Free Evening
  • A young girl still smiling after losing a game of memory matching.
    Learning To Lose With The Game Memory Matching
  • A collection of twelve addictive, page-turning, must keep reading book series for teens.
    12 Addictive Reads: The Best Book Series For Teens
  • I just need 1-minute of silence, so I don't lose my mind
3.6K shares

Primary Sidebar

Portrait of Zina

Hi, I'm Zina! You know you’re in the right spot if — You believe in game nights. You believe in PJ movie parties. You believe in breakfast for dinner. And most importantly, you believe happiness is family.

Let me show you around →

Popular

  • A cat who is nervous about moving hiding under a couch.
    7 Astoundingly Helpful Tips for Moving With Cats into a New Home
  • Two woman sitting on the sidewalk talking about turning 40.
    5 Brutally Honest Things Every Woman Turning 40 Should Know
  • How to Maximize Space in Your Luggage: You'll be amazed at what's in this suitcase *10 packing tips and hacks for your next family vacation
    The Best Way To Pack a Suitcase: How to Travel With a Family + a Single Suitcase
  • How to Ensure Your Tween ROCKS the First Day of Middle School: Know what to wear on the first day ahead of time. If you’re daughter is like mine, she’ll likely have this picked out a week in advance. Recommend she picks a secondary outfit, “just incase she isn’t feeling it” on the first day. It is always good to have a back-up plan. *Great list of back-to-school tips for tweens
    How to Ensure Your Tween ROCKS the First Day of Middle School
  • Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Marinade — THE BEST Chicken Recipe With Only 4-Ingredients!
  • This cheesy chicken pot pie biscuit casserole is SO GOOD. If you’re pinched for time, keep this 30-minute cheesy chicken biscuit casserole simple with ingredients from your pantry. This quick and easy chicken bake uses cream of chicken soup and sour cream, so it is amazingly creamy. *This is a keeper! My kids (and husband!) love it.
    Chicken Biscuit Casserole

Footer

↑ back to top

Lasso The Moon

  • About This Site
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Slow Down In Life

  • Overwhelm and busy get in the way of finding time for what really matters in life. Ready to reset? Join me at Becoming UnBusy too!

Slow Living Movement

  • "She silently stepped out of the race she never wanted to be in, found her own lane, and proceeded to win."
    — Pam Lambert

Copyright © 2020 Lasso The Moon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

3.6K shares