Have you found yourself saying things to your children that your mum or dad used to say to you? The type of comments that used to make your eyes roll? When did this happen, this sudden ability to spout stuff that is pointless, meaningless or plain ridiculous? Here are some of the strange and ludicrous things I've found myself saying recently which I never thought I would:
1)"Because I said so." - I used to hate this phrase with a passion when my mum used to say this to me. But inexplicably I have found myself saying it a lot lately. Maybe it's because my eldest won't take no for an answer or maybe it's because my youngest's favourite phrase at the moment is "WHY?"
2)"It will all end in tears." - I'm mum to two young girls. They're at an age where they're suddenly fighting a whole lot more and I find myself playing referee and trying to separate them, but do they care at that exact moment that the other one has their favourite colour spoon for breakfast that it might "end in tears"?
3)"We'll see." - Another frustrating and irritating response I used to get from my mum. But I get it now. It's the one to use when you really don't want to go to little Johnny's party on Saturday afternoon but can't think of a valid reason why.
4)"Eat that dinner, there's children starving in this world." - I honestly can't believe that I said this to my daughter recently. Why is it that so many parents have battles with their children at dinner time? Why won't they just eat their tea? I've tried cajoling, pleading, bargaining and then this line out of sheer exasperation. Of course it was met with a completely blank look. At the age of 4, children have little concept about other countries let alone the possibility of being starving hungry.
5)"Eat your carrots, they'll help you see in the dark." - Another phrase used in the hope of getting children to eat. Unlike the comment above, this did provoke some interest (in visionary powers, but sadly not the carrots).
6)"Move away from the TV your eyes will turn square." - Asking children to move away from the TV fair enough, but saying their eyes will turn square is just bizarre. They're never going to believe it are they?
7)"How many times do I have to tell you?" - A meaningless phrase that I, along with many other parents continue to use. Is anyone really keeping count?
8)"Don't make me turn this car around!" - As if we are ever going to change our plans and turn the car around! Our parents never did and we won't too.
9)"What part of 'no' don't you understand?" - I've still not figured out how many parts of no there are exactly, but I still seem to come out with this little gem on several occasions.
Have you found yourself saying any of these phrases? Are there any more that I've missed? Do please let me know!
This post was first written and published on Cheryl's lifestyle and parenting blog called Tea or Wine. She also works as a freelance marketing copywriter. You can follow Cheryl on Twitter or Facebook.