"Yes" Mom

I am trying harder to be a "yes" Mom.  I don't want to freak out about little things.  I know toddlers do many things because they are exploring, learning, and trying to understand this big world we live in.  If I am constantly saying, "No, don't mix that!" or "No, don't touch" or "No!  That is going to get you dirty" then I am actually disapproving their learning, exploring, and just being a kid.  Today, I was a "yes" Mom.

I kept Leah so busy with different projects she didn't have the chance to show anything but happiness.  I let her do whatever she wished with what I gave her, and it was so much fun to watch her imagination, her focus, and her determination.  She really had so much fun.  I did too.  She ate lunch and went down for a nap without a fuss.  She had a good day.

YES, you may paint without clothes on!

 YES, you may mix all the brand new colors together so everything you paint is glittery brown!

 YES, you may start another painting!

 YES, you may use your hands!

 YES, you may paint your fingers!

 YES, you may get ridiculously close... so close you actually get paint on your face!

 YES, you may paint dots, twinkle stars, and doggies!

 Really, Mom?  I can do it??!

 YES!

 YES, YES!

See... it didn't hurt anything.  She had a blast painting, then we played in the pool to clean off.  I love being a "yes" Mom.  Let's do it again soon.