How many times a day do you find yourself saying the following (or at least feeling like it’s daily)?
* No more tattling.
* Eat your food.
* Don’t hit your brother/sister.
* Pick up your socks/shoes/backpack/coat/toys.
* Wash your hands.
* Stop tattling. You know I hate tattling.
* Get back in bed.
* Just try one bite.
* No, you can’t have candy for breakfast.
* Be sure you flush the toilet.
* Do I need to explain to you again what tattling is?
* Leave your brother/sister alone.
* Chew with your mouth closed.
* And don’t talk with your mouth full.
* If you tattle again, you’re going to your room.
* Seriously? Does that shirt really match those pants?
* Use your quiet voice.
* Did you use soap?
* So, should I smell your hands?
* OK, that’s it. I’ve had it with the tattling. Go to your room.
Have any more to add to the list?
Sarah,
I’ve found that if you can somehow incorporate the repeated phrases into a song, it’s less bothersome to you — and incredibly, *more* bothersome to the kids, making them more inclined to stop. For example, I’ve got boys. The bathroom can sometimes get a little…messy. But they’ll take great care to avoid hearing me outside the door singing, “If you sprinkle when you tinkle, please be neat and wipe the seat!”
They’re even less crazy about the songs to chew with their mouths closed and brush the teeth in the way back.
Kate
One frequently heard in our house “Did you wipe?”
I can’t believe I forgot that one!
Great idea, Kate! I can create annoying songs with the best of them; it’s a trait I learned from my dad. =)
And I completely understand the boys in the bathroom thing — ugh!
“Go and play!”
Another good one!
I love this list! It’s completely hilarious and totally true all at the same time! Thanks for the pick-me-up today… Looks like you’re doing well for the blogathon.
Bloggin’ away for the month of May,
Melanie
Find me at:
http://expertediting.wordpress.com/
Thanks, Melanie!
You’re doing great on your blog as well.
Keep up the good work!