The Bright Side of Domesticities

The Bright Side of Domesticities

My youngest daughter has stated loud and clear that she is needing my attention these days. Not only does it show in her behavior and attitude, she actually told me straight out. It’s one of the upsides of having children old enough to communicate articulately what they want (and need) from us. There’s not getting out of being a better parent when you’re called on it. Gulp.

Finding engaging and enriching ways to bond with my girls can be challenging. I get into a routine of the norm and I forget to think outside the box of monotony. I know myself all too well and I know I am often  distracted. And I also find myself saying no a lot; to activities they want to get involved in, to excursions and adventures, to getting dirty, to big plans, etc. I have recently been reminded that just because an idea sounds like too much work to me, or because I don’t always enjoy what it is the kids enjoy that I should say no to their requests.. In fact, saying yes feels good! And we all benefit from it.

To start off the week right, I’m sharing a little glimpse into yes.

Yes, you can cook (even though I hate cooking more than anything in the world) because it doesn’t have to be about me. i know, what an epiphany.

It can be about ways my girls can have fun, be creative, use their imaginations, make their own choices (even if they actually want to cook), find their strengths, explore the world.

And speaking of domesticities take a look at this hilarious photo gallery at Parents Ask where the Blythe Doll is in all her domestic glory. What a hoot, huh?

So, what’s cookin’ in your world?

17 Comments
  • MelodyA.
    Posted at 17:05h, 26 October Reply

    I’m totally with you on the youngest needing more attention. My youngest has been a bit of a struggle lately and I’m still trying to find out what we need to do to help with this whole situation. We all go through it.

  • megan
    Posted at 17:17h, 26 October Reply

    what? you mean kids’ activities aren’t all about me? :). i feel ya’ there. i have a shot that i got with my iphone — it was so bright and asking to be photographed, even if it was with my phone.

    iphone love

  • shirley
    Posted at 17:35h, 26 October Reply

    I too need to say "yes" more often – I think a pause before the automatic "no" helps me to reflect – "why not yes?".
    I didn’t say No to this sunrise:
    Sunrise

  • Cara
    Posted at 17:46h, 26 October Reply

    I said yes to playing outside…when I had a ton of laundry to do. I was glad because I captured these shots.

  • Amy Jo
    Posted at 18:19h, 26 October Reply

    My kids love to cook, too. Surprisingly, my 3 year old is pretty good at it! My 2 year old, though, not so much!

    Here is my BSM:

    http://cheeseparty.blogspot.com/20×09/10/long-shadows.html

  • Tanya
    Posted at 19:03h, 26 October Reply

    yes, yes, YES! I need to say Yes more often, too. I have been trying to do that lately, and you’re right. It does feel good.

    What’s cookin in my world?…a couple of punkins 🙂

  • Chris
    Posted at 19:34h, 26 October Reply

    I love cooking and baking with my boys! Now that the weather is starting to cool down, we’ll be doing more of it. My BSM is a serious one today, but for me, it needs to be.

  • Melissa G
    Posted at 19:57h, 26 October Reply

    I’m right there with you on needing to say yes. So often for us, it’s yes to more holding in my lap or on my hip, more sitting on the stairs together doing nothing. She needs so many snuggles and sometimes I have to remind myself that I really can do all that other important stuff later. If at all.

    But this week my best shot is all about what I’ve been cooking up…. Best Shot

  • phyllis
    Posted at 20:06h, 26 October Reply

    i actually baked with my oldest son yesterday – for the same reason. i felt like he needed a little extra attention.
    and i posted a picture of our finished product here: http://imabima.blogspot.com/2009/10/signs-of-fall.html as my best shot monday!

    have a great week.

  • Julia
    Posted at 22:57h, 26 October Reply

    Well, I am with you on the "Yes Mission". This morning I was in such a rush and in no mood to argue, I said yes "Sure Eben, yes you can go to school entirely outfitted in Camo."

    Because he wanted to dress like his Daddy the hunter.

    I said yes.

    I loved this post Tracey.

    Here is a link to my Best Shot Monday. ( although I liked your even better….could I borrow it?)

    http://glimpsesintothelife.blogspot.com/2009/10/best-shot-monday_26.html

  • Beryl
    Posted at 23:27h, 26 October Reply

    Just cooking up a relaxing evening at home with my husband and our two fur children. 🙂 No real cooking going on here.

    http://bellarose-photography.com/?p=169

  • Photographing Mom
    Posted at 00:21h, 27 October Reply

    My Best Shot Monday is up at my blog with a bit of an explanation. Saying "yes" does feel good!

  • Nancy
    Posted at 06:01h, 28 October Reply

    I’ve been cooking cauliflower soup, tuna melts in the oven, squash and chard salad and other yummy crock pot recipes like turkey pot roast – that’s what’s for dinner! 😉

  • kitchen mom
    Posted at 16:57h, 30 October Reply

    I have to say that by the time I got to our 3rd and 4th child the older ones had worn me down. Saying yes actually became easier than saying no and I’m so happy that I finally figured that out.

  • beth
    Posted at 22:28h, 30 October Reply

    I thought I was the only one who hated cooking more than anything…..glad I’m not alone 🙂

  • Nancy New
    Posted at 00:29h, 02 November Reply

    love the "yes" philosophy…our little ones often just want a piece of us….and a "yes" can give that….nancy

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