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!
