In the world of no's

Throughout my life I have noticed how quick some people are to saying no. Then to add confusion, how quick they are to saying no to their own children. I'm not referring to material things such as the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory character, Veruca Salt. I am simply referring to saying no to your child's simple request.

As a lot of you know, my family and I attended our first ever Rethinking Education conference this past September. One of the concepts of the lessons was simple: tuning into your child's desires and wants, aiding them to acheive success, and allow them to explore. One of the concepts I took with me was, "instead of saying no, change your thoughts to why not?" That really made sense. I have am reprogramming my train of thought with first thoughts of being why not? Then from there if I still do not feel comfortable I will inform them( as I would to any friend) the reasons why I do not feel comfortable with the decision. Out of love and respect for each member of our family my boys will come up with a change in the game plan that everyone is happy to do.

I remember informing my oldest when he was not even one what we were planning on doing. I would often get mocked or ridiculed because other's couldn't grasp why I would waste my time explaining so much to my child. I often would giggle and reply," Well, he wants to know just as much as you do." Believe me, he always wants to know whats going on ;)

I am still learning, growing, and tuning into this way of life.