I interpreted it the same way. The “body language” of the one in the back, leaning backwards and to the side, combined with the text context, makes me think they’re trying to subtly signal to the parent, “Say no, say no, say no.” It’s easy to imagine them shaking their head side-to-side, while out of view of the asker.

But that’s the funny thing about art - it can be interpreted in different ways. I don’t see someone eagerly awaiting a “yes,” but maybe some people do?