the summer of yes

I say no to my kids

a lot

I don't know if it's more or less than other mothers

but I've started to notice recently that I say "no" just to stop them

make them go away

without really listening to what they're asking

and I don't like it.

I don't like the parenting I am doing

and in some ways, it's not surprising that they're a whole lot just a bit naughty at times

I wonder if I said "yes" more often, if they wouldn't ask for so much stuff?

If I said "yes" to every icy pole and biscuit and turn under the sprinkler, and time on the ipad, would they self-regulate better?

or would it backfire, and they'd eat a bag of popcorn for breakfast, and soft drink before bed?

I think I need to have a go at saying yes more often*

- because I'd like to think that my kids have better self-control than I give them credit for

I hope I'm pleasantly surprised by them

It could be a interesting summer

* within the bounds of safe & sensible, I'll say yes to everything for the month of January, and make note of what happens for all the kids. Call it an experiment, if you will.