The Bright Side of Domesticities
Monday, October 26, 2009 at 8:59AM 
My youngest daughter has stated loud and clear that she is needing my attention these days. Not only does it show in her behavior and attitude, she actually told me straight out. It's one of the upsides of having children old enough to communicate articulately what they want (and need) from us. There's not getting out of being a better parent when you're called on it. Gulp.
Finding engaging and enriching ways to bond with my girls can be challenging. I get into a routine of the norm and I forget to think outside the box of monotony. I know myself all too well and I know I am often distracted. And I also find myself saying no a lot; to activities they want to get involved in, to excursions and adventures, to getting dirty, to big plans, etc. I have recently been reminded that just because an idea sounds like too much work to me, or because I don't always enjoy what it is the kids enjoy that I should say no to their requests.. In fact, saying yes feels good! And we all benefit from it.
To start off the week right, I'm sharing a little glimpse into yes.
Yes, you can cook (even though I hate cooking more than anything in the world) because it doesn't have to be about me. i know, what an epiphany.
It can be about ways my girls can have fun, be creative, use their imaginations, make their own choices (even if they actually want to cook), find their strengths, explore the world.
And speaking of domesticities take a look at this hilarious photo gallery at Parents Ask where the Blythe Doll is in all her domestic glory. What a hoot, huh?
So, what's cookin' in your world?
Reader Comments (17)
I'm totally with you on the youngest needing more attention. My youngest has been a bit of a struggle lately and I'm still trying to find out what we need to do to help with this whole situation. We all go through it.
what? you mean kids' activities aren't all about me? :). i feel ya' there. i have a shot that i got with my iphone -- it was so bright and asking to be photographed, even if it was with my phone.
iphone love
I too need to say "yes" more often - I think a pause before the automatic "no" helps me to reflect - "why not yes?".
I didn't say No to this sunrise:
Sunrise
I said yes to playing outside...when I had a ton of laundry to do. I was glad because I captured these shots.
My kids love to cook, too. Surprisingly, my 3 year old is pretty good at it! My 2 year old, though, not so much!
Here is my BSM:
http://cheeseparty.blogspot.com/20x09/10/long-shadows.html
yes, yes, YES! I need to say Yes more often, too. I have been trying to do that lately, and you're right. It does feel good.
What's cookin in my world?...a couple of punkins :)
I love cooking and baking with my boys! Now that the weather is starting to cool down, we'll be doing more of it. My BSM is a serious one today, but for me, it needs to be.
I'm right there with you on needing to say yes. So often for us, it's yes to more holding in my lap or on my hip, more sitting on the stairs together doing nothing. She needs so many snuggles and sometimes I have to remind myself that I really can do all that other important stuff later. If at all.
But this week my best shot is all about what I've been cooking up.... Best Shot
i actually baked with my oldest son yesterday - for the same reason. i felt like he needed a little extra attention.
and i posted a picture of our finished product here: http://imabima.blogspot.com/2009/10/signs-of-fall.html as my best shot monday!
have a great week.
Well, I am with you on the "Yes Mission". This morning I was in such a rush and in no mood to argue, I said yes "Sure Eben, yes you can go to school entirely outfitted in Camo."
Because he wanted to dress like his Daddy the hunter.
I said yes.
I loved this post Tracey.
Here is a link to my Best Shot Monday. ( although I liked your even better....could I borrow it?)
http://glimpsesintothelife.blogspot.com/2009/10/best-shot-monday_26.html
Just cooking up a relaxing evening at home with my husband and our two fur children. :) No real cooking going on here.
http://bellarose-photography.com/?p=169
My Best Shot Monday is up at my blog with a bit of an explanation. Saying "yes" does feel good!
I've been cooking cauliflower soup, tuna melts in the oven, squash and chard salad and other yummy crock pot recipes like turkey pot roast - that's what's for dinner! ;)
I have to say that by the time I got to our 3rd and 4th child the older ones had worn me down. Saying yes actually became easier than saying no and I'm so happy that I finally figured that out.
I thought I was the only one who hated cooking more than anything.....glad I'm not alone :)
love the "yes" philosophy...our little ones often just want a piece of us....and a "yes" can give that....nancy
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