I've been thinking about this a bit lately... I didn't realize as a parent, how much I love being able to make my child happy - it just warms my heart in ways I never imagined. When I can do something for him, or take him somewhere that will bring him joy - I live for those moments...

But I realize this may have potential for making me a pushover parent - and funny to say that because I have never ever been the definition of a pushover - so it's so weird.

One situation I can think of: I can't go to the YMCA with J for a "quick workout" because awhile back he and DH had somehow got into a routine where J would go to the daycare, DH would work out, and afterward DH would take J swimming or to the Y splash deck. So now, if I were to drop him at daycare, workout, pick him up, and leave right away - tears would ensure. And it's not a tantrum, but he gets SO sad, so disappointed, and it breaks my heart. So now I only go to the YMCA with him when I know I have 2-3 hours to workout and take him swimming.
And I have now noticed a new trend: just down the street from the Y is a newer, super-awesome, fun, park. And DH has taken him there a few times after the Y, and now every time we're at the Y, he asks to stop at the park too.

This is one (big) situation I can think of that's becoming a problem lately. So where is that line between doing things my kid loves and saying no? I know disappointment is a fact of life and it's good for him to know that he can't always get what he wants - but it really is hard on me to upset him. Anyone else deal with this at all? When you say no, do you explain?