Do the Thing With Them: Why Saying Yes to Your Kid Matters

A few days ago, I took our two daughters and a friend to Disneyland for the day. No, I’m not a hero—just a dad who apparently loves burning money. Despite the crowds and overpriced snacks, I actually like Disneyland. There’s something magical about Walt Disney’s imagination and the world he created that keeps me coming back. I’m down for almost anything at the park—except getting wet.

So, when the girls begged me to go on the newly revamped Splash Mountain (now called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure), I hesitated. The sign read 70-minute wait, and I was tired. The thought of standing in line for over an hour just to get drenched and spend the rest of the day uncomfortable wasn’t exactly appealing. I was tempted to bow out and let them enjoy the ride on their own.

But when I mentioned I might skip it, you should’ve seen their faces. They actually wanted me to go.

Why It’s Hard to Say Yes

As parents, we spend a lot of time saying no. No, we can’t stay up late. No, you can’t skip your homework. No, we’re not eating fast food again. And sometimes, that “no” reflex kicks in even when it doesn’t have to—when the stakes are low, but our comfort is on the line.

In that moment, standing outside Splash Mountain, I felt the pull of comfort. I was tired. I didn’t want to wait in line. I definitely didn’t want to get soaked. But the look on their faces told me this wasn’t just about the ride. It was about sharing the moment together.

Kids Want You to Join Their World

Your kids might be pulling away from you as they grow older, but deep down, they still long for connection. It’s just that the way they show it looks different now than when they were little. I miss the days when I could say, “We’re going to Home Depot!” and my kids would squeal with delight. Now, their invitations come in subtler ways—like asking me to join them on a roller coaster.

Kids like to do things that don’t always make sense to adults. They want to eat at Taco Bell, wander aimlessly around a dingy mall, and listen to Taylor Swift (again). They love staying up late watching dumb YouTube videos or going on rides that soak you to the bone.

These moments might seem trivial, but to them, they’re everything. Saying yes to these invitations isn’t just about the activity itself—it’s about showing up for your kids in a way that says, I see you. I value you. I want to be part of your world.

The Ride Was Worth It

I’m so glad I said yes to Splash Mountain. A kind family in line handed us plastic ponchos, which kept us mostly dry, and we spent the next hour laughing and joking as we inched closer to the ride. When it was finally our turn, the girls were giddy with excitement.

The ride was everything they hoped for—thrilling, fun, and yes, a little wet. But what made it unforgettable wasn’t just the ride itself—it was the fact that we did it together. That shared memory is something we’ll hold onto for a lifetime.

Why Saying Yes Matters

It’s easy to miss these moments, especially when life feels busy or we’re simply tired. But these little invitations—whether it’s a roller coaster, a late-night drive, or a silly YouTube video—are your kid’s way of saying, I want you here with me.

As they grow older, our kids are pulling away so they can figure out who they are and how life works. But they also need us in ways they don’t always express outright. It’s in these seemingly small invitations that we have the chance to connect, to let them know we’re still in their corner.

Saying yes doesn’t mean sacrificing all your boundaries or preferences—it’s about choosing to engage when it really matters. It’s about prioritizing connection over comfort.

A Prompt for Parents

The next time your kid invites you into their world, consider saying yes. Even if it’s inconvenient. Even if it doesn’t make sense to you. Even if it’s something you’d never choose on your own.

Because it’s not just about the activity—it’s about the memory, the connection, and the message you’re sending: You matter to me.

Conclusion

Parenting isn’t about perfect moments. It’s about showing up, again and again, in the small, messy, unexpected ways that make your kid feel seen and loved. So, whether it’s a roller coaster, a fast-food run, or yet another Taylor Swift song on repeat, do the thing with them.

You’ll be glad you did. And so will they.