"Yes, after . . ."

"Yes, after." When we first began to use this parenting tactic we figured it would ease tension by showing the kids that we do say "yes" sometimes while gradually helping our kids develop a characteristic all parents pray they will master, and soon--patience.  Nobody told us they won't understand this concept.  Try as we may to encourage their creativity and passions while still tending to the administration of our household, our children understand the phrase, "Yes, after . . ." as "no" or "never."  Will my kids ever understand what this means? I hope the answer isn't, "Yes, after they become parents themselves."