How to Be a “Yes” Parent (Without Becoming a Doormat)

Saying "yes" to our kids can be a joyful act of creativity. It's not about permissiveness or chaos — it's about finding the yes within the no and modeling collaboration, respect, and flexibility.

When my 5-year-old wants to bake a cake by herself, I can’t say yes to that exact idea. But I can say yes to baking together and letting her take the lead on mixing or decorating. That becomes a win-win — a yes that teaches, connects, and includes.

Being a “Yes Parent” means we:

• Say yes to connection, even when setting boundaries

• Turn “no” into negotiation and skill-building

• Look for creative ways to preserve autonomy

• Model flexibility within structure

It's fun, playful, and actually teaches better life skills than just laying down the law. If you want more ideas like this, download my free guide: “Say Yes: A Parent’s Guide to Turning No into Connection”.

Big hugs,

Tara