No

“And yes I said yes I will yes“ – Ulysses James Joyce

The word yes has always been one of my favorites. I read the text toward the end of my journey through Ulysses and while I didn’t grasp what exactly happened with Molly, the way he used yes throughout the chapter made the word even more meaningful to me.

And yet, sometimes the word no has value.

It doesn’t strike me as a pretty sort of word but it is powerful. Especially when it is said without a caveat.

Can I no may I no if only no please no.

In my generation of parenting the word no has become much more of a thing we try not to say. The other day I read yet again, “instead of saying no try saying tomorrow or next weekend.”

But what is wrong with saying no?

He’s touching me no I don’t want to play no leave me alone no.

I practice the word no with my boys because they need to understand the value, the power, of the word no.

When your brother says no, stop, you need to stop. When your Mama says, no, you may not have that treat, it isn’t an open invitation to negotiate.

Hear me, hear the word and the beauty behind it’s clarity; no she said no I won’t no.