Saying Yes...

I recently read a blog post about being a "Yes Mom".  It put into words thoughts that have crossed my mind several times, both as a teacher and as a parent.  You see, sometimes when I'm busy or tired, I find myself parenting/teaching on autopilot.  And in these times, I've noticed that my answer to most questions is "No."  There's really no good reason for saying no, it's just a way for me to be lazy, if I'm being honest.  Most of the time when I let this happen, I think to myself, 'Why are you saying no?  15 years from now you'll be wishing she wanted you to read another princess story.'  or 'Why did you tell him no?  Why can't he work on his math on the floor?'

But I am reminded of what it's like to be a child and how one little thing can make your whole day!  I was reflecting on that just last Friday when a student shared that her parents were shopping for a camper today.  She said they might even try to go camping in it tonight!  I reminded me of when I was in third grade and my parents were going to pick me up early from school so we could go out of town.  I don't even remember where we went, but I remember that feeling of knowing I was going to be picked up early from school, and hardly being able to focus that day because I was so excited to leave early... something that never, ever happened to me.  As a parent, I want Gracie's memories of growing up to be full of special things.  I don't want to spoil her with things, things, and more things.  But there's no harm in saying yes to the little things her heart desires.

I practiced saying yes a few times this weekend, and it totally made her day... twice!  She and I hit up a few thrift stores on Saturday.  While we were shopping, we found some cute springtime cookie cutters for Play-Doh, which cost $1.00.  As we continued perusing the aisles, Gracie quickly spotted the baby dolls.  Naked, half-dressed, matted hair, colored-on baby dolls.  She also stumbled upon a purple and yellow stroller (her 2 favorite colors) with 3 out of 4 wheels in working order.  So she chose her favorite baby doll and put her in the broken stroller to push around a few aisles.  When it came time to leave, I told her to put the baby and stroller back so we could check out.  Of course, you know what happened next.  Gracie didn't want to put the baby back.  So I thought about it and realized that the springtime cookie cutters were more my idea than hers.  And really, she has plenty of cookie cutters for Play-Doh, that we don't use all that often.  So I gave her the choice to spend $1 on cookie cutters or $1 on the baby doll.  She happily put the cookie cutters back and snuggled the dirty baby tightly.  I put my foot down on the stroller because we don't need another stroller, specifically a broken one, to take up residence in our home.  But me allowing her to spend $1 the way she wanted to was a big, big deal to her.  When we got home, we pulled out her baby doll bathtub and gave her new baby a much needed bath.  She was so excited to tell Kianna about her purchase first-thing this morning!

As the days continue, I notice that Gracie is becoming more and more independent and likes to do things her way... which is just like me.  So I hope to say yes more often than no, in the situations where it really doesn't matter, in an effort to give her some freedom.  I notice that when I do, she feels really special and proud of herself, almost like we're a team - she and I.  And I like it when she feels that way.