Happy Friday everyone! We are still in good ol’ Branson, Missouri but you are in for a treat!
I put out on Twitter that I was looking for Guest Posters while I was on vacation. I got so many great responses. This is why I love Twitter and blogging. I’ve “met” so many great people.
Maura, from the blog 36X37 reached out to me. Her blog is really a fantastic read. Her boys are so so sweet. Make sure you check out her blog, because it’s one of my new favorites! I literally spent half my afternoon sitting there and going back though all her posts. That is how much I love her blog.
Below is Maura’s post from when she let her son’s call the shots for the day!
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- Chose their clothes and got dressed by themselves (something they do every day—just not so eagerly)
- Brushed their teeth without argument (even if they did select the Thomas the Tank Engine toothpaste for toddlers, rather than that nasty “Sparkleberry!” flavored crap)
- Made tantrum-free movie selections at Blockbuster
- Talked me into racing the Target shopping cart down an empty aisle or two
- Ordered bacon—five pieces each—and ate quietly all through lunch
- Laughed their little blond heads off through two Phineas and Ferb episodes, then announced they were ready for a nap
- Had a massive Star Wars lightsaber battle with Uncle S without antagonizing one another
- Enjoyed a very bubbly bubble bath
- Went to sleep at 9:00, exhausted and happy
This speaks to me. I feel like I'm always saying "no" to my four year old or "I will count to 3…" It's tiresome and I feel like I'm always enforcing restrictions on her. Maybe we need a day like this…
You should, Carol! It was such a great day, and the boys still talk about. Every mom needs a break from laying down the rules. Your kids will surprise you by how well they'll behave. You'll have to let me know how it goes. 🙂
Awesome post, Maura! You are an inspiration to ALL mothers!
Thanks, Chris. Ha ha, no I just have two creative, funny monkeys who are totally in charge, and they know it. Every day is an adventure, that's for sure. : ) Thanks for reading!
I loved reading this the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it a second time.
great post, maura! you think this would work on a 2-year-old boy? there are days when i just want to throw in the towel, and i get rewarded by the tightest hug i couldn't breathe…
I'm totally with you, Cheri. Two is tough, it's a good thing they're so cute. I've had those seconds-from-throwing-in-the-towel moments, too. I think we all do. Here's what almost always works for me: when I see one of my sons on the verge of Crazytown, I fill up the sink or the bathtub, let them each choose a toy, and let them play in the water. Instant smiles for all of us. Now, if you have a secret to handling tantrums in public, I'm all ears… 😉
Aw, thanks Mary Ann. You're awesome. 🙂
Great post! I think all moms should listen less to "the experts" and listen more to "The Expert"…aka themselves.
I totally agree. We have maternal instincts for a reason, right? No one knows her kid better than the mama. 🙂
This is a great idea! I really want to try this (if I can get my husband on board!) Checking out your blog now….
Thanks so much, Carlie! You'll have to let me know how it goes. Good luck and enjoy!
Hmmm…. I wonder what would happen if I gave my boys a "day off." Unfortunately I'm not sure I'm brave enough… at least not today. 🙂
Oh, Kim, if anyone's boys would act like angels on Mama Can't Say No day, it would be yours. 🙂
Wow- I think this is such a great counterpoint to what so many parents are told by schools and books go you for listening to your intuition!!
Shannon 🙂
milkandcuddles.com
Thanks so much, Shannon! I just stopped by your site, and WOW! Loved your video for making watercolors. I'll try it with my boys this week! : )