I always say no- without even thinking about it. There is no hesitation, I hear Caitlin's little high pitched voice asking for something and I just blurt out NO.
Mom- can I have a snack?
NO
Mom- can I go outside and ride my bike?
NO
Mom- can I...
NO
My husband has been pointing it out to me lately when I do it. I really don't mean to be so negative all the time. Once I get off work and get both kids picked up I just don't have any extra time. Every night I have to feed Charlie, play with Charlie, cook dinner, do dishes, laundry, pick up the house (and everything else that happens in life) AND whatever activity Caitlin wants to do. I feel like a horrible mom. I used to devote all (and I mean ALL) of my time to her. She was always right beside me and would help me cook, clean, or do anything I was doing. I also used to have time to do crafts with her.
She is a fantastic helper around the house and a wonderful lil mom to Charlie. She will help me change diapers, give him baths (really she just gets in with him and squirts him with the little animal squirters), "babysit", give him little bits of food (she likes to give him licks off of her popsicle because he goes absolutely crazy).
I just have one wish...
I wish she would clean her room. I get so frustrated because I cannot even see her bedroom floor most of the time. Last night she was "grounded" and missed watching the finale of Dancing With The Stars. It was on from 8-10 so she wouldn't have been able to stay up for it anyways, but you would have thought that I grounded her for a year. Her attitude and back talking was too much for me to handle and the NOs just came flying out of my mouth.
This summer I have a few goals.. my first goal is to become a YES-Mom. (or maybe a little less of a NO-Mom)
For example, I would like to say yes when she asks me for "the stickiest food-- that has no healthy content whatsoever--is made only of sugar--and was only invented to make moms like me cringe" AKA Cotton Candy. I am shocked she even knows what it tastes like. I have only let her have it once in her life and it was just a few weeks ago at Fun Night.
I couldn't resist... I wanted a small bite too.
***I know Aaron has let her have it many times, my Dad has bought it many times at the Bears games, and she has had it at Skateland when she goes every Friday during the summer at the YMCA.
I am going to TRY to start saying YES more. I still have issues with letting my kiddos out of my sight (like going outside) because we live on a busy street and there are so many crazy people in the world, but I think I can ease up on her a little bit. After all, it is no fun always being the mean parent.
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