Sure Means Yes

Probably the best thing about being a parent, we both agree, is seeing our kids learn something new in real time. To comprehend, to understand, and to grow. It’s just about the most wholesome thing I can think of.

I seem to have a habit of answering “sure” when the kids ask me for something and I’ve run out of steam and energy. “Can we go outside and play?” they ask me as I think about it for a second. Dinner is in 10 minutes and it’s not ready yet but they also just showered and I don’t want them to get dirty and ugh, what else are they going to do? Sit inside and watch TV? So I reluctantly respond with “Sure.” Easy enough.

Last week, Riah asked me for something and I answered him by saying "sure”. He jumped for joy and through his arm in the air. “YES! Thank you!” And he started to run off, only to quickly stop himself and turn back around. His face scrunched up as he asked, curiously, “Um, what does sure mean again?”

I smiled. “Sure means yes” I said. His eyes grew wide and he took off running again. How sweet is that? His little mind racing and figuring things out as he goes. It makes me want to pinch his cheeks.

So now, every time he asks something and I respond with a “Sure, that’s fine”, he slowly reminds himself in a slight whisper under his breath, “Sure means yes, sure means yes, sure means yes” as if he is questioning both my response and his understanding of the word. It’s the cutest thing ever, watching him process and remember what we’ve taught him.

What did we do before our kids brought so much joy into our lives?