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Ask Yourself “Why Not?”

by Michele Whiteaker

Ask Yourself Why Not

As parents, we get used to saying “no.” It becomes a bad habit.  I like to do things and go to places where there are NO “no’s.”  A family walk to the beach is usually one of those things. Even though I’m usually up for an adventure, I recently found myself on the verge of chastising my daughter and her cousin when they picked up an old box.  I was thinking:

  • “It’s waaaayyyy too big.”
  • “Where has that been?”
  • “Why is it sitting on the sidewalk?”
  • “You can’t carry that!”

I opened my mouth to say one of the above when my sister halted my objections. She explained: “I already told them – if they can carry it then they can bring it.” And you know what? They carried it! It was a huge challenge and they happily rose to meet it. Down the long sidewalk, across the lawn, and to its final resting spot on the beach.

It wasn’t an easy trek. If I had asked them to carry it as a favor, I would have heard no end of objections:

  • “It’s too heavy.”
  • “Why are you making us carry this?”
  • “How much further?”

Instead, it was their decision. They had a plan for that box! It was to become a living room and a place to hold their pretend campfire. They were so proud of themselves for achieving a goal they set for themselves.

You can’t always predict where your kids will take an idea. So next time you want to say “No!” — ask yourself “Why not?” instead.

Need More Cardboard Inspiration?

  • Unstructured Play with Cardboard Boxes
  • Children Opt for the Box Over the Toy from Slow Family Online
  • Cardboard Magic

 

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and encouraging families to prioritize nature time since 2008. UNOFFICIAL information provided as a FREE community resource to over 300,000 OC families each year. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips & new play trip ideas along with my Hummingbird Parenting blog series.

Comments

  1. Glamis Camping says

    February 6, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    That is how kids are, tell them to carry that and they’ll probably beg not to.lols. I do have to practice the whole “yes thing” to life. I’m more inclined to say no than to agree on a certain thing.

  2. Sara says

    February 3, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    Precious. I love it! Isn’t it amazing what they can accomplish when it’s their idea?

  3. Terri says

    February 3, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    Love it! Nothing better than letting the kids rise to their own challenge.

  4. Danielle says

    February 3, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    Cool…like to see this story get passed around the web….Love the pictures that capture the moment! we have more boxes, by the way!

  5. Jen {Tiny Oranges} says

    February 3, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    So cute – such a great reminder that sometimes we need to get out of our mom mode – and be open to creativity in places only a kid could find!

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michele profile photoWriter mom and nature guide promoting play and encouraging families to prioritize nature time since 2008. UNOFFICIAL information provided as a FREE community resource to over 300,000 OC families each year. Click to subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips & new play trip ideas.

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