Peanut butter and jelly, Brad and Angelina, Nancy Reagan and simple living.
Huh?
Yes, you read that right — Nancy Reagan and simple living.
Remember Mrs. Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign? It was the first lady’s attempt to get us 1980’s kids to say no to drugs. We mocked it mercilessly, yet in retrospect it had the divine of the simplicity.
As a parent, I am constantly barraged with requests. School volunteering, sports commitments and the such.
The ability to say no is a powerful tool.
Soccer season is thankfully coming to a close. The four night per week practices, (plus two games on Saturday!) have worn me down. I am giddy with excitement of the mere thought of being able to sleep in on a Saturday morning. Not to mention the possibility of spending a relaxing weekend at the beach or mountain.
So when my ten-year-old asked me if he could sign up for winter basketball, I took a cue from Nancy Reagan and just said no.
I didn’t hem or haw, I didn’t even consult my husband. I knew the key to have even a fighting chance for family balance was to reign in our commitments.
There’s two more weeks of freezing cold soccer games left this season, but I know cozy Saturday mornings spent in bed are just around the corner.
Now if I can just get Mrs. Reagan’s tips on $1000 place settings to sink in, I’ll be ready to take on the world.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
You made me laugh with this one! Nancy Reagan and the simple life…
But boy could we relate to the “just say no” to your kids aspect. When the youngest was still in Jr. High, she was a real nag about anything happening at school. Money for pictures, field trips, parties. Could we drive her to a friend’s house? Could she sign up for whats-next? “Just say no” finally worked after a few weeks, after her father insisted that we were not going to entertain her every wish! I hope its made her a stronger person today.
Amen! We are a family of very few outside commitments and we LOVE it that way. I think quiet family evenings at home are often way more valuable to a kid(and to the parent too!) than any number of different activities.
I’m hoping we’re helping our kids to learn to appreciate a slower-paced life too.