“Mom can we start today with painting?”
I hesitated.
After lecturing him last week on how homeschooling means there is no set schedule. On how he needs to be flexible in his expectations. That “school” is never really over.
I almost said no.
To the kid who does what is expected. Most of the time without complaining. The kid who will happily do his math, english, and copy work when I ask him to.
I caught myself wanting to say no. But why?
How many times do I say no for no good reason? How many times do I say no because it will make my life easier, without giving a thought to how my kids feel?
Of course, there are times when I should say no. I’m a mom of two young kids, saying “no” is part of the territory.
Then there are times when I want to say yes, but I just can’t. Days when my body forces me back into bed and doing anything is a struggle.
But when I’m feeling good? I find myself saying no out of habit, or out of comfort. (Painting is messy! Adventure is dirty!) But isn’t that why we’re homeschooling in the first place? For flexibility and freedom from the rules?
Being a good parent means being consistent. YES. But it also means breaking the rules every once in a while.
So this week, I shall work on saying “Yes.” Yes to creativity. Yes to getting dirty. Yes to breaking the rules.
Where did you buy those paint-by-number kits? I know my 8yo and 5yo would love something like that…
I think my mom got these at Hobby Lobby.
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I remember reading on someone else’s blog (this is similar but I don’t think where I originally saw it: http://redtri.com/yes-day/) the idea of having a yes day . . . saying yes to everything (within reason). Just as a special day. I have yet to do it but reading this and being oh so familiar with saying no to painting, I’m newly inspired. Thanks for the encouragement and challenge 🙂
That link didn’t work, but I love the idea of a “yes day”
This is SO me. I am in constant battle with myself over the motive behind my “no.” My husband and I have talked so much about how we want to enthusiastically say yes to our kids, especially in those moments that the motive behind our “no” is simply our own discomfort. Thanks for this reminder!
Thanks Erin, I’m glad this was good for you too.
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