Speaking of phony, what are your thoughts on generic brands? Because I don’t really mind them. I’m all about saving some grocery money. So, I will buy the Smacker’s grape jam or the Not-quite-a-miracle whip. I learned the hard way, however, that there is no substitute for a good ol’ fashioned pizza roll.

I even buy the not-really-Oreos Oreos. They seem the same to me but, truth be told, I don’t even like Oreos anyway. I know, it’s crazy. Chocolate cookies and cream seem like a win-win combination. But, alas, they do nothing for me. My husband, on the other hand, loves a good Oreo and I am very guilty of buying the discount brand.

I thought I would share with you a new thing I have implemented. Actually, that might be building it up a little too much. It isn’t really a thing – more like something that only takes place in my head but has helped my attitude a great deal lately.

I don’t know about you but, sometimes, my default response to pretty much any question is “No”.

Can we have ice cream for lunch?

No.

Can we play Uno?

No.

Can we take all of your measuring cups and use them in the bathtub?

No. 

It’s enough to make me roll my eyes at my own self, for crying out loud.

So, I have come up with a new game for myself. Seriously, it’s just for me and I am the only one that even knows the game is on. Here is how it works.

When I feel myself getting a little too quick with the “no-s,” I play Three Yeses in a Row. {It is obvious when it’s time because the kids start prefacing their questions with “Mommy, I know you’re going to say no but can we…”}

In my mind, I decide that I am going to say “Yes” to the next three questions from any child. Now I know, going into this, that I may end up painting 40 fingernails or scraping dried bits of play doh off of the kitchen table for the next three days. I may end up getting my tail kicked in a game of Mario Cart. But, you know what, I always feel better. And I can’t help but giggle at the shock on a kid’s face when I say, “sure, you can have a cookie even though it’s 8:30 in the morning.” It’s just good fun is all I can tell you.

And it keeps the kids on their toes. Never let it be said that they have this mama figured out.

So, if you feel like you’re always being the bad guy. If you hear yourself saying “no” WAY too much. Then, I challenge you to a little game of Three Yeses in a Row. Let me know how it goes.

I love y’all more than a Sunday afternoon nap.

*Repost from the archives