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Do you ever feel like you are saying no more than you are saying yes to your kids? In the busy world of today, many families are losing track of the importance of quality time. Personally, I was reminded of this important fact on a Saturday morning last November.  The fact that I need to say yes more often…

A woman holding a boy on her lap in the grass with text above them.

Our kitchen table was covered with bits and pieces of construction paper, crayons, and glue. We were making turkeys for Thanksgiving and like any craft with little ones, things can get a bit messy.  In the midst of the crafting, our son was chattering on and on about his grand plans for a building project.

Honestly, I was half listening as I was helping my youngest attach the feathers to the turkey. However, I quickly came to attention when my son showed me a hammer and nails and asked, “When can we build it?”  Instantly, the overwhelm came but before I could say the “no” that was on the tip of my tongue, my husband interrupted and explained that it was a great idea but we would have to do it on a much smaller scale.

That Saturday, my husband, and the boys spent the majority of the afternoon building together.

Watching them, I felt like God was reminding me the beauty of saying yes. Sometimes, saying no can seem easier. We are busy, have plans, or are tired and saying a quick no can sound much more attractive than a yes that may involve a lot of effort. The thing is that while saying no may sound easier, it really is not the answer that our kids need. Our kids need to hear us saying yes more. They need to see us setting aside all of the busy to spend time with them.

In that afternoon, I saw my husband tap into my son’s strong-willed personality and bring out the good through creativity and imagination. He chose to say yes to family.

I want to give my kids memories of moments where we are all together, enjoying one another’s company. In these little moments we can teach about patience, working together, and so much more. So often we rush through these little moments moving onto the next activity.

Life is so busy. We cram in countless sports, activities, and commitments that we become scattered like puzzle pieces bouncing around in a box. But when we slow down and spend time together, all of the puzzle pieces start to fit together like they are supposed to be. Suddenly, we are no longer separate mismatched pieces but a complete picture that serves a purpose- a family.

As we finish out this year, I encourage you to make a conscious effort to slow down. Ask God to open your eyes and your ears to opportunities to say yes to your children. Commit to less outside of the home and do more as a family. When the kids are grown up and out on their own, you will never look back and regret saying yes to the little moments, because those are the moments you will treasure forever in your heart.

Join me for a free parenting course… all about spending one on one time with your kids.  Click the picture below to download it & get started.

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Hi there!

I’m Becky, a former elementary school teacher turned certified child development therapist and blogger. I work at home with my husband and together we are raising (and partially homeschooling) our four children in the Carolinas. I love diet coke, ice cream, and spending time with my family.

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