11.12.2009

Boy Meets Rim

hmmmm
rolling
rolling
make it roll fast
up a steep hill
along the canal
now what?

Boy brings rim home.

There are times when I allow my children to do things simply because I can't think of a reason why they shouldn't. I didn't like to hear "no" when I was a child, especially when it seemed there was no good reason to say no. I dislike it just as much now that I'm an adult when I hear parents say "no" just because. I wonder, why not? What would be the harm of saying yes, or better yet, saying nothing at all?

So when Aidan found various car parts down by the railroad tracks the other day and decided to roll a rim home, I thought, "Why not?", and I said nothing. To be quite honest, I was curious if he'd have the determination and stamina to bring it all the way home.

He did. And now we have a rim in the dining room. I'm just glad he didn't decide to bring the crankshaft home.

32 comments:

  1. I love this story!
    elif

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  2. i love this, molly. great picture story.

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  3. Very cute. I wonder what the rim will become: a seat? a cave? Let us know!

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  4. Beautiful story and photos! It's good to know there are others out there who aren't big fans of "No". I have found that often when I refrain from using "no" some really neat stuff can happen.

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  5. Funny. Sometimes I hear myself saying no and then I think - why did I just say that - and I relent. He must think I am such an indecisive lady...
    The training is to, like you said, just say yes, or nothing at all, instead. Which is why you have car parts in the house and I have a kid who ate a bar of soap this morning. Because I said "go ahead".

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  6. Great pictures! Good fun!
    ~Karen

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  7. When my kids were little I once heard someone say if you can't think of a good reason to say no then you need to say yes. Thats way I still have a mongoose skull on a self. It's been 18 years since my son brought that home. To this day when we see it we always say remember when Jimmy brought that home. It's a good memory of our time in HI.
    Holly

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  8. Great post. I sometimes find myself saying no when I have no good reason for it! Seems to be some sort of habit that I'm definitely trying to break:)

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  9. I think you're smart to save "no" for when there really is a reason. If you just say it all the time to say it, it kinda loses it's meaning anyway.

    That is really some amazing stamina and determination getting that thing home too. How awesome was that?

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  10. That is such a lovely sentiment. I must try to remember this. I too, dislike being told no for no reason at all.

    I am sure that the rim makes a nice addition to the dining room decor. A bit of an industrial feel maybe?

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  11. I love that. I bet he'll find a hundred good uses for it!

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  12. Put a round piece of wood or glass over the top and you have yourself a lovely and unique side table!

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  13. Great photo essay!
    I try to be careful about my "no's", too.

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  14. What fun! I am trying to expand my views of parenthood in a similar way. (For example, does it really matter if the play-doh colors become integrated? Besides, it's so much fun to watch the little ones explore and enjoy their world.)

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  15. oh I love this post!! capturing a perfect childhood:-)

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  16. the pictures alone on this post are so great. they tell such a story.

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  17. that is hysterical.
    one man's trash.....

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  18. Fabulous photos! I just love the first one, where he's contemplating the task ahead. In the next ones you can tell it is no burden. My kids and friends found such treasures around railroad tracks once. Switchplates, spikes. I remember one mom saying, "Get your rebar, it's time to go." It cracked me up. The rim looks rather beautiful, as compared with rebar.

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  19. I rarely say no.
    I do say "yes, after dinner"
    I do say "sure, put in on your birthday list!"
    I do say "great idea, let's do it this weekend when we have more time!"
    This way, they understand that timing plays a large role in what we can and cannot do, not some strange arbitrary thought process in mom's head.

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  20. I love watching kids as they become fascinated by things ~ even rims!

    Have fun with your new found treasure Aidan :)

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  21. I love your "Just say NO to No!" attitude. I will have to try it more often.

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  22. I have been trying to listen to myself and catch the No's - and challenge myself to rethink an idea.

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  23. Such a great story told by your photos! I couldn't agree with your sentiments more about saying yes to life, learning and fun! Wonderful post!

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  24. I too loved this story! I used to find myself saying 'no' and wondering why - now having embraced saying 'go ahead!' I find I can let myself enjoy all those naughty things I thought I should say no to as well (nothing really naughty you understand - just things like wearing odd socks or picking up odd things to bring home!) The feeling is great - for all of us! Loved the post - Thanks :)

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  25. I remember a post of yours like this long ago - was it baking cookies - yes to baking cookies? Whatever it was - I loved it then and love this now. It fits just right with me. And - how beautiful does that rim look in your pictures.

    Sometimes I say yes just to get the pictures of it. That's pretty silly!

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  26. Very Cute!
    Just give it a few years and the crankshaft will come home too. :)

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  27. I so agree, I don't get the "no" for no reason thing either (although I'm sure I do it myself sometimes)! Nice post, I like the progression captured on film (er, digital something or rather, I mean).

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  28. Yay. Sounds like something my boy would have done on one of our long walks.

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  29. AAAAAAAAAAWWW I love those pics. I think that's a good way to handle things! I'll try to remember that and try it on the to be children in my life. :)

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  30. Those photos are fantastic.
    Good on you mum :)

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  31. So True Molly!! Great pics!
    When I saw the last pic I thought what a cool table it would make! :)

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