Before:

Kid: “Mom, can I paint?”

Mom: “Not right now buddy, it’s too messy, and we’re in the middle of school.”  (enter feelings of guilt)

After:

Kid: “Mom, can I paint?”

Mom: “Yes.” (ooh, did I just say that out loud?)

Results: paint tracked onto basement carpet after socked feet stepped into paint palette; paint smudges still on the floor; spilled water; finished masterpieces scattered throughout the house; Happy Kids :)