A lot of us remember when Jennifer Garner had a ‘Yes Day’ – one day when she said yes to whatever her kids wanted to do (within reason). It’s a great concept which lets the kids feel like they are heard, and helps parents understand their kids.
But a lot of parents probably already feel that most days are Yes Days – or at least, days where they give in to things or activities that their kids want, not out of enjoyment, but because it’s easier. Which is how many families struggle to find a balance between “me time”, “couple time”, and “family time”.
Sydney couple Sophie, 38, and Conrad , 40, were determined to avoid that cycle as much as they could when they had their two girls; three-year-old Ella and newborn Clara.
They’re now part of a new group called ‘Yes Parents’ – where the parents have reclaim their needs and prioritise them equally with the kids. They say yes to plans with friends, and outings they would otherwise be wary about.
Top Comments
I don’t think this is a new concept in parenting, as others have said here, this is how many of us were bought up in the 70s and 80s. We just tagged along with Mum and Dad and their friends mostly, and Mum and Dad often went off, separately and together, to do their own stuff, leaving us with neighbours, friends, relatives or sitters. I suspect none of it was really consciously thought about, it was just life.
I’m almost the same age as this couple, and find it interesting to read that their parents had such seperate social lives.
Growing up, my family did everything together. Sure we didn’t go to restaurants much - my parents were saving for a bigger house in the early years - but we were always visiting their friends, going on drives/days out, camping weekends away etc - our lives slotted into theirs and a lot of my friends have said the same for their childhood. Maybe it’s because of this I don’t find this such a unique concept!
I think, as a family, we all need to do the best we can to make sure each persons needs are met as much as possible, without anyone being matyrs and sacrificing everything.
I think the difference may be in the emphasis placed on the children in the family unit. Many families revolve around the kids - this manifests in everything being pitched and designed around the routine and predilections of the children. What "yes" parents seem to be doing is what those of us who grew up in the 70's-80s experienced: the kids had to adapt to the routine of the adults around them. Sounds like renaissance parenting to me.
Sounds like a way to bring up less self centred children
Yes, I agree. And less child-absorbed adults, too.