The one word I’m trying to say to my children more

If you’ve seen the 2021 movie Yes Day, starring Jennifer Garner, you would be well aware of the potential for things to go awry when kids get (almost) unlimited “yeses”.

But when my best friend’s kids recently earned the mother of rewards for excellent behaviour – their very own “yes day” – she was pleasantly surprised. She filled up her petrol tank and had her credit card at the ready, expecting to cart her five- and nine-year-old boys to the zoo and Timezone and wherever else they forever beg to go.

Instead, they awoke happily and asked if they could go to the nearest Westfield to spend their pocket money on a new Beyblade (a spinning toy, for those not accustomed). Stoked, they then asked if they please could go home to play with their simple new toy. She offered sushi or McDonald’s, and they politely said they’d probably rather just have a toastie at home.

Published on The Age, click here to read article