A Yes Day is a special event where parents say “yes” to their children’s requests for an entire day. This concept is simple yet impactful. From the moment the kids wake up until bedtime, the answers to their reasonable requests are overwhelmingly positive. It’s a unique approach where parents put aside their usual rules and restrictions, allowing kids to make decisions and lead the way.
The concept of “Yes Day” isn’t as modern as you might think. Parents have been giving into their children’s whims since… well, probably the dawn of time. But the idea gained traction with a children’s book named “Yes Day!” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Then came the Hollywood movie in 2021, starring Jennifer Garner.
What Happens on a Yes Day?
On a Yes Day, typical scenarios that often get a “no” turn into a “yes.” Want to have ice cream for breakfast? Yes. Fancy wearing a superhero costume all day? Go for it. It’s about small joys and simple pleasures that bring immense happiness to kids.
The Rules of a Yes Day
It’s important to note that a Yes Day isn’t a free-for-all. It operates within pre-set boundaries to ensure safety and practicality. For instance:
- Safety First: All activities must be safe. Nothing that compromises the safety of the family is allowed.
- Budget-Friendly: The day should adhere to a predetermined budget.
- Feasible and Practical: Activities should be realistically achievable within the day.
- Respectful: Requests must be respectful to others and property.
I wrote The Official Guide to Yes Day Rules as a resource that goes more in-depth for you.
Why Would Parents Say Yes, to a Yes Day?
The purpose of a Yes Day goes beyond just saying yes. It’s about:
- Empowering Children: Giving kids a sense of control and decision-making power.
- Breaking the Routine: Providing a break from daily routines and norms.
- Creating Joyful Memories: Making the day memorable and fun.
- Strengthening Bonds: Spending quality time together and strengthening family bonds.
Examples of Yes Day Activities
- Choice of Meals: Kids decide what to have for meals, whether it’s pancakes for dinner or pizza for breakfast.
- Fun Activities: Whether it’s building a fort in the living room, a movie marathon, or a visit to the zoo, the kids get to choose.
- Relaxed Rules: Bedtime might be extended, or they might get extra screen time.
How to Survive Your First “Yes Day” (And Maybe Even Enjoy It)
- Stay Flexible: This is not the day to be stuck in your ways. Embrace the unpredictability.
- Document the Day: Trust us, you’ll want memories of this.
- Join In: If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! Be a kid again, even if it’s just for a day.
Here’s a Fun List of 50 “Yes Day” Ideas for Your Kids (and You!) to Say “Yes” to:
- Ice Cream Breakfast: Let them enjoy a scoop (or two) for the most important meal of the day.
- Pajama Day: Stay in PJs the whole day.
- DIY Movie Theater: Create a home theater with blankets and pillows and have a movie marathon.
- Camping Indoors: Set up tents in the living room.
- Fancy Dress Day: Everyone wears their fanciest or silliest outfits.
- Picnic in the Park: Pack a lunch and eat it outdoors.
- Bake Together: Make cookies or a cake from scratch.
- Blanket Fort Build-off: Who can build the coolest fort?
- Breakfast for Dinner: Pancakes and syrup for supper? Yes!
- Dance Party: Blast some music and dance like nobody’s watching.
- DIY Craft Day: Paint, color, or make jewelry.
- Stay Up Late: Extend bedtime by an hour.
- Karaoke Session: Sing your hearts out!
- Backward Day: Wear clothes backward and eat dinner for breakfast.
- Choose the Meals: Kids decide the menu for the day.
- Video Game Hour: Play video games together.
- Pet Day: Treat the family pet to special treats and a longer playtime.
- At-home Spa: DIY facials, manis, and pedis.
- DIY Pizza Night: Everyone makes their own mini-pizza.
- Board Game Marathon: Bring out all the board games and play together.
- Balloon Party: Fill the room with balloons and have fun bopping them.
- Scavenger Hunt: Create a fun treasure hunt around the house.
- Storytelling Hour: Make up and tell stories to each other.
- Homemade Science Experiments: Safe, fun experiments using household items.
- Water Balloon Fight: Head outside and get drenched (weather permitting).
- Theme Day: Pirates? Unicorns? Choose a theme and go with it.
- Stargazing: Lay on the grass and look at the stars.
- Picnic Indoors: Set up a picnic in the living room.
- Choose the Music: Kids control the playlist for the day.
- Sidewalk Chalk Art: Decorate the driveway or pavement with chalk.
- Bubble Madness: Make and play with giant bubbles.
- Nature Walk: Go on a hike or explore nature.
- Dress Up Parents: Let the kids pick out your outfits.
- Book Marathon: Read as many books as possible together.
- DIY Photo Booth: Set up a booth and take silly photos.
- Visit a Petting Zoo: Spend a day with farm animals.
- Random Acts of Kindness: Do something kind for a neighbor or friend.
- At-home Beach Day: Lay towels, play beach music, and wear sunglasses indoors.
- Build a LEGO City: Construct a massive LEGO creation.
- Bike Ride: Head out for a family bike adventure.
- Slime Making: Craft some DIY slime.
- Messy Art: Use finger paints or other messy mediums to create art.
- Mud Puddle Jumping: If it’s rainy, why not?
- Homemade Playdough: Make and play with DIY playdough.
- Dance in the Rain: Grab your raincoats and have fun.
- Living Room Concert: Kids put on a show.
- Glow Stick Bath: Add glow sticks to bath time.
- Homemade Ice Cream: Whip up some DIY ice cream.
- Campfire in the Backyard: Roast marshmallows and tell stories.
- Decorate Their Room: Let them choose new arrangements or add new posters.
Remember, “Yes Day” is about fun, creativity, and spending time together. I have more Yes Day Ideas for you here! Enjoy the spontaneity and cherish the memories!
Think of a “Yes Day” as a little vacation from the regular rules. It’s a day where we can let our hair down (and maybe find it mysteriously braided or colored with washable markers). We trade in our “No” hats for ones that say “Sure, why not?” and watch as our kiddos light up with the feeling of being in charge.
