Give Them Something Better
Replace a “No” with a “Yes”
You will be forced to say “no” to your children for various reasons. Or, take away something in discipline. This is a normal part of being a father.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t give them something else. Something else that’s even better than the original thing you took away.
Did you take away their tablet? Go outside and throw the ball with them.
Did they get grounded from TV time? Make it time for ice cream. Pack up the family and go.
Did you say “no” to painting because it was already late and there wouldn’t be enough time for setup and cleanup? Say “yes” to wrestling and piggyback rides.
They can’t watch a movie you think is inappropriate? Get out the water guns and fight in the backyard.
Did they get sent to their room? Nothing says you can’t go in there and hang out with them. Tell stories. Play a game. Read to them.
Whenever you say no, try to give them something better. In this, you emulate the heavenly Father.
Your children will look back on their lives and latch on to the littlest moments, and those memories will define what they think of you as a parent. They craft the story of their childhood from these moments. What story are you helping them build? What type of character were you within that story?
For me, it was a particular Christmas morning when I found the full Voltron toy under the tree, the one with all five lions that formed together. And the smell of warm gingerbread that my mother made at random times, just because.
Swapping out a “no” with a “yes” gives your children these heightened peaks of experience that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Don’t waste the opportunity.