MOV Parent: Parents’ common sayings to children; be careful what you say
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1. "Because I said so!!"
I am sure that all of us at sometime or another when our children got a little out of line and didn't want to obey our wishes, we have expressed "Because I said so!!!"
2. "Money does not grow on trees"
We all have a tendency to spoil our children and give them everything they want and wish for and make their life fun by buying them the brand name clothes, the favorite toy or items like their friends have, which usually result in costing more. I realize that many children work to raise money when they reach a certain age, which is great, and this helps teach them to think twice before they spend money. However the ones that expect their parents to provide everything do not learn to appreciate the true value of money, and at that time they will hear you say "money doesn't grow on trees." They need to face reality and find a little job where they can earn their own money.
3. "You are grounded!!"
Kids have a tendency at times to play with their parents' patience and refuse to do what you have instructed them to do, or they fail to study and make good grades or don't behave or are disrespectful, and you finally get to the point of letting them know "You are grounded!" However, when you do ground them, you must mean it or hold to your decision or you will have to face them continuing not to do what you have requested.
4. "Don't make me stop the car!"
Children seem to get into arguments or heated discussions amongst themselves or with their parents while you are driving or on the phone and stuck, which results in you possibly stating, "Don't make me stop the car."
5. "It builds character"
As parents, we all try our best to teach our children from a young age as to what is right and what is wrong and to show respect and to maintain a good and positive attitude at all times. This is a good way to help them "build good character."
6. "You don't know what hard work is"
Small tasks like cleaning their room, setting the table, folding clothes, loading the dishwasher, etc. are all very important and beat just laying on the couch, playing on their iPhones etc. Many complain about doing even these small requests or duties, which are really not difficult or stressful. Then we get upset at them and tell them, "You don't know what hard work is!"
7. "Go ask your mother"
Children are smart, and if they are refused by one parent they will go to the other to get approval. Many times it is the parent that does not want to be the one to say "no" or make the decision that refers them to the other parent. For example, when they ask if they can go to the movie with a friend or the mall or sleep over at a friend's house and you do not want to make the decision, you revert to "Go ask your mother." (Actually, it is best when both parents are on the same page and make the decisions together.)
8. "A little bit of dirt never hurts"
Kids seem to love to play in dirt and have a tendency to do so -- especially young children who come in asking for clean clothes because they have been playing in the mud. I know I have had to tell my children many times that "a little bit of dirt will not hurt you".
9. "When I was your age."
I know my children and grandchildren have heard me tell them this last phrase many times over the years. Lifestyles have changed greatly since I was a child, and I am sure the same applies to you and your family, and you end up telling them how things were "when I was your age." But you cannot expect the children to understand and realize how things were 50 to 60 years in the past.
'Til next month.