21/05/2026
With the school holidays creeping up, I’ve had so many conversations lately about the financial pressure families are feeling. The cost of days out, activities, food, and just trying to “make memories” can feel overwhelming.
And it reminded me of one of the BEST things I ever did with my children…
✨ A YES DAY ✨
A few years ago, inspired by the book/movie, I decided that for one whole day, my two youngest children would hear one magical word from me:
“YES!”
(Within reason… I wasn’t buying a pony or letting them redecorate the house in ketchup 😂)
What followed was absolute chaos… but also one of the most therapeutic and joy-filled days we’ve ever had as a family.
The day started with a water-bucket challenge in the garden, followed by pancake-making in pyjamas. Then came the real danger…
THEY chose my outfit. 😳
Honestly, I looked like a walking lost property box. There were costume changes throughout the day involving several questionable hats, dramatic makeup, and hair styling that can only be described as “electrocuted unicorn.” To top it all off, they gave me a horn that I HAD to blow every single time someone said “Yes Day” or agreed to something.
Imagine walking around Shipley Country Park dressed like that… HONKING a horn every five minutes while innocent dog walkers looked deeply concerned for my wellbeing. 😂
The children chose the music in the car (which meant my ears survived approximately 47 repeats of the same song), we had dinner at McDonald’s, where I had to blow the horn, and fries were flying everywhere, visited a local pub with a bouncy castle, and then ended the evening with games, face painting, and a family movie night.
And honestly?
It was one of the most freeing parenting days I’ve ever experienced.
For one day, I stopped focusing on the routines, the jobs list, the rushing around, the constant “not now,” “be careful,” and “maybe later.”
Instead, I was fully present.
The children felt heard, empowered, and connected. There was laughter all day long, no pressure for perfection, and so many moments of genuine joy. It supported their wellbeing… but if I’m honest, it massively supported mine too.
It reminded me that children don’t always need expensive days out or packed schedules. Sometimes what they really remember is when we let go a little and simply join their world.
So if money feels tight this May half term, please know that meaningful memories don’t have to cost a fortune.
Maybe try your own version of a Yes Day.
Say yes a little more.
Be silly.
Wear the ridiculous hat.
Blow the horn. 😂
You might be surprised at how therapeutic it feels for everyone involved. ❤️