As my ten year old was getting out of the car to go deliver a “Meal on Wheels” to someone…I automatically said, “Be careful not to spill it!”
And then I realized, “What? Like he’s going to try to spill it?”
Why do I say stuff like that?
I’m pretty sure I can’t help it. I often say phrases that really aren’t helping anything…but it makes me feel better to have said them. (I guess.)
So here are thirteen things that we (all probably) say that are well….silly-ish. 
1. “Be careful!”
(Because if I don’t say those words as they are departing from my presence…they’re SURE to trip and fall on their way out of the kitchen.)
2. “How did you sleep?”
(I ask my kids this question every morning…and they always say, “Fine.” I’m pretty sure they don’t remember how they slept because they were….well…asleep.)
3. “Have fun!” (You know…just in case they were thinking of NOT having fun…)
4. “Drive safely.” (My kids aren’t old enough to drive yet, but this is especially funny when said to my great aunt and uncle as they climb into their Buick to drive across town…. even though I’m pretty sure they aren’t planning on stopping off at a vacant parking lot to spin a few donuts along the way.)
5. “Be careful not to make a mess” (Like saying that will help prevent any messes from being made? If only.)
6. “Why did you do that?” (”Well Mother, it was because I wanted to upset you and because I was really hoping to get into trouble.”)
7. “Stop talking with your mouth full.” (I usually don’t take the time to swallow my bite of broccoli before saying this.)
8. “Aw, did you hurt yourself?” (”Or is that blood dripping down your leg from something else?”)
9. “Are your hands clean?” (My kids usually think that their hands ARE clean…therefore, they always answer, “yes”….because after all…didn’t they just have a bath last Tuesday?)
10. “How many times have I told you to stop doing that?” (Now, do I want them to give me an actual figure…or do I just want them to stop doing it?)
11. “Do you want me to STOP this car?” (”Well, do you mean at the next McDonald’s PlayPlace…or for something else?”)
12. “Are you ready for some dessert?” (Are they ready? I’m pretty sure they were born ready.)
13. “Be quiet…and tell me what is wrong.” (Okay now…should they be quiet? Or should they tell me what’s wrong? Can’t do both at the same time. Tough one.)
Having made the list…I’m not sure I’ll be able to stop myself from automatically saying these things.
But I’ll try.
Thanks for stopping by. Ya’ll have fun…and be careful!
Holly says:
Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about. To me that was bad - abusive AND designed to not make anyone stop crying…
One thing I promised I’d never say (and I never used it) was: “Because I said so”.
Smiles,
Holly
http://theabundanceplace.com
April 16th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
SJ Reidhead says:
I would comment, but then that would force me to admit to grown up behavior, which I refuse to do!
SJR
The Pink Flamingo
April 16th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
AnthonyNorth says:
And as adults, kids get a sense of deja vu from what they say themselves
April 16th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
kay says:
Thanks for a chuckle–and a trip down memory lane—I said more of those than I care to admit.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Linda R. Moore says:
Awwww. But many of those are just comments that mean “I love you.”
I have two TTs this week.
How to ride 95 miles while doing one’s taxes
http://www.ravensrides.com/tt13-doing-the-taxes
13 favorite photos of the day for March. Pick your favorite
http://www.ravensroads.com/potd-favorites-0802/
April 16th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Nicholas says:
“I won’t tell you again!” says the parent. “Good,” thinks the child, “It was becoming so boring.”
“Drive safely!” my mother once said to my father.
“I’m glad you reminded me,” replied my dad, “I was planning to drive carelessly.”
April 16th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
orneryswife says:
Lol. Yup, we do say the silliest things!
Happy TT!
TM
April 16th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Laura says:
My mom liked to use “Because I said so, that’s why.” Another variation was “Because I’m the mommy, that’s why.”
*real* strong logic there, let me tell ya…
April 16th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
On a Limb with Claudia says:
When I hear myself saying those things, I wonder if I am repeating something my parents said. (shrugging) At least you hear it!
Happy TT!
April 16th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
SandyCarlson says:
Definitely guilty of No. 7!
April 16th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Judi says:
ahh, but old habits are so hard to break. Thanks for a great TT
April 16th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Kate says:
Too funny Laura, but you are so right. The one I always say…”sit down before you fall down.” That was my dad’s favorite. Sometimes I wonder if I even use it in the right context! I guess I need him to come over and give me a lesson on it. LOL
April 16th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Lori says:
Yes, but we’re mothers…thats what we say. Its all natural:) Happy TT. Great list.
April 16th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
The Happy Housewife says:
“Stop talking with your mouth full.” (I usually don’t take the time to swallow my bite of broccoli before saying this.)
GUILTY!!!!
Love the list!
April 16th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Bethany says:
Oh my gosh, you have me cracking up over here! I say sooo many of those things to my students…I think it’s just innate or something. Happy TT!
April 16th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Suprina says:
I am so guilty of so many of those…
A big one for me is…
Do you want to go sit in the corner for a time out? —like they want too…
Great T13!
April 16th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Amy says:
Haha. This is a good one. I always tell DD to stop talking with her mouth full with my mouth full, as well. Silly Moms!
April 17th, 2008 at 5:43 am
marcia v says:
The one that gets me is when you hear exasperated parents saying do you want a spanking? good post
April 17th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Laura says:
I think I’ve said all of those at one time or another…and I was DETERMINED to not sound like my mother….oh, well…
Thanks for the reminder… Happy T-13!
April 17th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Chris says:
Very good list of things that I’ve heard a few times from my parents and have even found myself saying as well. Happy TT!
April 17th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
~*angelle*~ says:
They are pretty silly when you really think about them.
April 17th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Randilin says:
I’ve always liked
“What did I tell you?”
great TT, mine is up at
http://betweentheticks.blogspot.com
April 17th, 2008 at 4:04 pm