It’s beginning to be a joke around our house. It seems that this is my answer for everything.
When the kids say, “My stomach hurts.” I tell them to go drink some water.
When they say, “My head hurts.” I tell them to go drink some water.
When they tell me, “I’m tired.” I tell them to go drink some water.
When they begin to get grumpy with each other – I tell everyone to take a break from what they are doing and go drink some water.
When they have been running around after church and their faces are red – I tell them to go drink some water.
When they come tell me that they are bored and can’t figure out what to do – I tell them to go drink some water.
When they tell me that they are out of clean socks, can’t find their math book, or don’t like what I am fixing for dinner – I tell them to go drink some water. Actually, I tell them to go start a load of laundry, look under the couch, and eat it anyway (socks/math/dinner). If only drinking water really did solve all of life’s problems. :)
Why is “Go drink some water!” the first thing I always tell my kids when they have a complaint? Because typically, it really does help! When we aren’t quite feeling right, need a “pick me up”, feel sluggish, or start getting edgy – a refreshing drink of water often gives us just what we need. If it doesn’t, then I know to move on to the next idea. But I have been amazed at how well this little trick works. And at the very least, I know that a drink of water certainly won’t hurt us and that often it is a great distraction from whatever it is we’re are frustrated about.
I have personally learned that if I’m not hydrated well I get head-achy, grumpy, tired, sluggish, and in general – I just don’t feel right. Getting a drink of water is an easy first thing to try, and almost always, I find that a nice drink of water is just what I’ve been needing.
I figure if I need it, and it works for me, then “Go drink some water” is the first thing that should come out of my mouth when it seems that my kids need a little something. They tell me what’s going on, and I say, “Go drink some water.” Then they say, “I knew you were going to say that.” And I just grin, wondering when they will learn to just automatically go to the water instead of complaining to Mom first.
That’s okay though. My day may not be complete without hearing 43 complaints. At least “Go drink some water” is a no-brainer answer, right? Hmm, maybe I should shock them sometime when they complain and tell them to “Go lay down and take a nap.” I bet they’d come back with, “Nah. Shouldn’t I just go drink some water?” Yes, good idea.
Just you wait. I may get into such a habit of answering questions with “Go drink some water” that the next time you email me asking, “I can’t find your recipe for Mac and Cheese!” – I’ll reply with “Go drink some water….”