Do you know that show Say Yes to the Dress? They always ask the question, “Are you saying ‘Yes’ to the dress,” knowing full well that the bride-to-be is going to say, “Yes.” Asking my boys, “Are you finished,” is kind of like that–but about school! They love being able to tell me they are done with school for the day, so I always like to ask, “Are you finished?,” and I get a resounding, “Yes!” back. Tell me… what do your kids want to do FIRST when they finish their school work?
Phrase of the Day
I always give my boys the 5 minute warning. Most kids need time to process and prepare for switching gears. Use the phrase, “It’s about time to leave,” the next time you want to give your kids a heads up. How much time do you usually give your kids to switch? 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or longer?
“We will come back later.” The phrase every mom promises as they leave their kid’s best friend’s house! It’s hard to pull kids away from good friends and fun, but it’s just a part of life. Use this phrase the next time you have to soften the blow of having to leave a place your child doesn’t want to leave! Where would that be for one of your kids?
Getting ready to go can be an event in and of itself! You feel me, Mom?! If I rush Nolan with getting ready, he will just race out of the house without shoes on. Getting completely ready and out the door can be too much for his brain to process. He just doesn’t think about it! One time we went on a trip a couple hours from home, and when we arrived and got out of the car, we realized he had no shoes with him. We had to go to the store to buy him shoes! Ha! Do your kids do something similar? Tell me I am not alone!
This week, we are practicing phrases that we say when time’s up! Whether that’s leaving your house, heading home from a nature walk, or finishing up chores, use today’s phrase, “It’s time to go,” the next time you need to transition activities! What activities do you have scheduled for today?
An affirming parent does wonders to a child’s emotions, right?! Although my boys can drive me crazy at times, at the end of the day, I am so thankful I get to be their mom. I want to speak love and positivity into their life and using the phrase, “You’re such a good boy,” is a great place to end our week of giving compliments. What was your favorite compliment from this week?
Nolan is the most adorable guy. He will yell out super detailed compliments when we’re leaving a restaurant, which is funny cause he’s so quiet. Like, he’ll say to the hostess at the Original Pancake House on our way out, “Thank you! You made the best pancakes with strawberries on top!” I just love how he appreciates things, down to the very last detail. (And how he tells the hostess.) Use, “You always do such a good job,” the next time you notice a job well done with your kids, friends, or… local hostess! 😉
Today’s phrase, “I love it when you sing,” goes right along with Tuesday’s phrase! Have you ever noticed how much kids love to sing? I mean, I try to get my boys to sing to Taylor Swift with me, but for some reason, they don’t like to do that too often 😜 What’s some favorite tunes around your house?
I think it’s important to feature good behavior, so making sure they are getting attention for good things is important to me. Even the simplest thing of being just overall nice to each other during a regular school day is something to be celebrated! Have your kids practice, “You are so nice,” to each other during your morning school time today!
Tell me… what’s something sweet and small your child did that made your day better?
Okay, no one will ever be telling me, “You are a great singer,” because that is definitely not a talent I was born with! Ha! Currently the only person who likes me to sing is my baby, which is totally fine by me. Him and I get to have our special singing time together… until his ears mature! How about you? Can you carry a tune or are you betting in the back of the choir? Haha! Use this phrase the time you can honestly say, “You are a great singer.”