Genevieve now says "No". I don't know why I was surprised that this was her first word besides DaDaDaDa and MaMaMa. I say this word eleven thousands times a day. "NO, you cannot go outside." "No, you cannot have a friend over when your room looks like that." "No, you cannot bite the dog."
I say "no" about forty-seven times more that yes. I blame this on my children. They never ask me questions that I would answer yes to. They are always asking for expensive toys, adventures, or adding stuff to the schedule. If they would only ask things like:
"Can I clean the bathroom?"
"Can I fold those clothes for you?"
"Do you want some time alone?"
"Can you buy yourself those new outrageously expensive boots instead of buying us food this week?"
I would answer "YES" to these in a heartbeat! Jason and I had to tell Annelise no today. It was hard because I knew that she really wanted a yes. I couldn't say yes because I couldn't add any more activities to our already hectic schedule. I saw the disappointment in her face and the sadness in her heart. She didn't handle the decision well and I didn't handle her reaction well.
Don't these children know that I could be a much better parent if they would just ask the right questions and accept the answers?!?!?
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