Phrases I Live By

I had a dream last night that I was taking a college exam that was filled with extensive vocabulary and difficult spellings. In my dream the letters came back to me, but were buried in the furthermost part of my mind. I used to be smart. I used to know lots of theoretical terms, names of respectable persons in my field, and I even understood the applications of most of my knowledge.

I'm wondering if all that old stuff is just taking up memory. I'm losing mine fast. I still believe that I have it in me to be book smart, or school smart, or even career smart if I had to be. But for now, the majority of my energy is going into being Mommy Smart. And you're in luck. I'm going to share with you the secret textbook for "just being a mom."

Vocabulary & Phrases to Know:

*No
*I mean it
*Please
*Thank-you
*Who's socks are these?
*Put your shoes away
*Two more bites
*Uh-oh
*Band-aid
*I love you
*Nigh-Night time
*Tickle tickle
*Peek-a-boo
*What's wrong?
*I'll help you
*What happened
*Time Out
*Softly
*It's all right. Mama's here...
*Shhhhh.....
*Kisses
*You are the best
*You are really good at that
*Did I tell you that I love you?
*My turn to brush your teeth
*Stop fighting
*What's the trouble?
*If
*Where are the wipes?
*It's time to clean up
*I'm really proud of you
*You can do this
*Seat belts on
*Do you need to go potty?
*Wash your hands
*Not on your shirt
*You can have mine
*Who got this out?
*I'm sorry
*Can't you see I'm on the phone?
*Your turn
*It's time for homework
*Because everyone in our family gets to help
*Pick that up
*Now
*Don't throw
*Be nice
*Say you're sorry
*Let's go
*Come on
*Faster faster
*We're going to be late
*I'm so glad that you're mine

And the phrase coined just for my kids that they truly hate to hear, "you don't have to like it. You just have to eat it."

Each phrase can be adapted or modified by voice inflections, speed, & volume. I will warn you, however, that larger volume does NOT equal greater comprehension or more prompt results. It is often subject to backfire effect. This is when your child listens LESS even though you have declared your request more abundantly. I have taken note from some of my good friends on the whisper technique. They have a super ability of mustering much power by softening their voice and tone. I'll need to work on that.