YES BY ALL MEANS

                                    ( Yes made by Dharma- Photo by Tim Geiss)

Life changed dramatically for us when I decided to say YES ...and that was years ago.


Yes, we can buy that. 
Yes, you may have ice cream for breakfast. 
Yes, that sounds terrific. . . and I often had to add 
We can't afford it right now, but let's see what we can do about it.


YES doesn't mean spoiling.. 
YES means talking positive, looking to the positive and acknowledging the whole child, her dreams, her wants and desires, her everything. It means giving what you can and as much as you can. . . willingly and with love.


It's also modeling for the future. I may not be able to have that or do that right now, but what step can I take that will get me closer to my wants and dreams?


Sometimes a child's want may seem frivolous in our eyes. 


For instance, I would much rather have spent money on something else for her than a moonwalk to use for only a few hours. But I am not my child. Her wants are not always my wants. And when you give children choices, you honor their choices, and don't make them feel bad about it, nor dwell on what could have been.

A moonwalk was what she really, really wanted, even if I couldn't get her anything else.


Even when things didn't go quite as planned, she still was happy she got it. 

 It got a leak after only an hour of using it, and although it was replaced, most partygoers had left by then. It didn't deter the teens though, they found other games to play and were content. It's not things that matter but being together.


 She was still able to enjoy some nighttime jumping. 

To her it was all still worth it and that's what counts.

 And I have to agree.


Saying YES creates peaceful and happy living. 
It fosters confidence and self worth. . .and even increases 
problem-solving skills.