Saying Yes

Why is it so very easy to say no when our child asks to do something? I've come across a lot of reading recently on the importance of saying yes, thankfully so for my curious and energetic boy. Too often we say no simply because something is so mildly inconvenient or because we don't feel like doing something. But since when is parenting all about us? 

The more I think about and read about the importance of saying yes, the more I am certain doing so will benefit both my boy and his parents. So tonight, when AJ asked to go outside when it was raining pretty heavily, I had to take a step back and rethink my gut reaction. My first response was, "No, honey, it's raining out there." Then the internal dialogue started: Really? It's not cold out. It's water. Why can't he go out? Because I don't feel like cleaning him off afterward? He's taking a bath tonight anyway! So my "no" quickly became a "I'll be right back, AJ, let me go get your swimsuit!" The two minutes it took to grab his suit from upstairs, unsnap his diaper, dress him, and take off his socks were more than worth the exploration and smiles outside. Next time, I hope my first reaction will be to say, "Yes, AJ, absolutely!"

Showing me the rain pouring off of the patio roof:

Wet little footprints make me smile:

Sometimes I really wish I could know what he's thinking... What a face!

 Dirt: Life's better with a lot of it, isn't it?

And that's what it's all about:

Here's an inspiring post I read a few weeks ago about saying yes. It's not too long, and it's absolutely worth a few minutes of your time, I promise.

Time for bed now. After rereading that link, I'm already looking forward to saying yes again tomorrow!