Learning to say yes

I realized awhile ago that when the kids ask me a question my first response is to say no.  So I've been trying to pause before I answer.  Most of the time that no can be a yes. 

Last week, I forgot to pause.

The kids wanted to go in the pool.  I said no. 

We went outside to play - avoiding the pool.  Well, that was my plan. Adaiah?  She had other plans. Plans that very much involved the pool.

I didn't know she could get in there by herself.

Yeah.  She can.  She did.  And she enjoyed it. 

It was about at this point that I was wondering why I didn't just let them all in there. 

But because I'm stubborn and was sticking to my "no" I drained the pool. 

Which led to soggy muddy children.  Much worse than kids splashing in the pool.

Lesson learned.  Say yes more often.  And don't be so stubborn.