When your child asks for something you don't want to provide, you might fall into the trap of competitive thinking:

"If I say yes, I lose; but if I say no, he'll cry. I lose either way."

Today, try this alternative to competition: The moment your child asks for something, say YES without even thinking. But you're not saying, "Yes, I will make it happen," you're saying yes to the deliciousness of desire and appreciating the unlimited number of ways any desire can be fulfilled.

If the request is specifically for YOU to do it, connect with the broader, underlying desire. For example, if she asked you to play with her, perhaps any playmate would do, or maybe she wants to connect with you through any activity.

But don't try to solve it. Your "YES-energy" will attract an inspired solution. It'll feel like a miracle... but only because it is. :)