Ten things you should never say to your kids
April 6th, 2008 / 11 Comments
Have you ever squeezed too much toothpaste and tried to get it back in? You can’t do it. 
It’s the same with words. Out of frustration, we often say things we don’t mean. But once the words are out, you can’t take them back.
Here is a list of things I’ve actually heard parents say to their children. You might think, “I will never say that.” But in our frustration, we blurt out similar hurtful words. My tongue is bruised from biting on it too many times!
Here is a list of 10 awful things I’ve heard parents say that we should never say to our children:
1. My life would be so much better if I didn’t have kids.
2. You are so clumsy. Can’t you do anything right?
3. Here, let me do it, you are doing it all wrong.
4. What do you have in there for brains??
5. If I die tomorrow, it’ll be your fault.
6. If you don’t behave, I’m going to sell you.
7. Everybody else can do it, it’s so simple, how can you get it wrong?
8. Look at you, who would want to marry you?
9. I can’t stand you. Get out of my sight.
10. Look at the kids over there, why can’t you be more like them?
Do you have more to add to the list?
Photo by Martini Captures
Comments
This is a very good post. I am not a mother yet myself but hopes to be one soon.I agree with you, parent’s should definitely watch what they say to their kids or they would bruise them emotionally for their life.
Great list. Well, not great that people have actually said those things, but I mean you did a great job in nailing it right on the head. Some parents are just so clueless about the things that they say…kids are like sponges, they take in everything. And they are like elephants–they never forget (at least the important stuff, anyway).
Here’s a couple more I’ve heard:
–I don’t care what you think. (Or, the very similar: I don’t care what you want.)
–Why can’t you be more like your brother/sister?
–You are such a crybaby.
–Stop crying or I’m going to give you something to cry about. (That one really drives me nuts–umm…if they are already crying, then they have a reason, don’t ya think? LOL)
Okay, I possibly have said #6. Maybe. Just once. Or twice. Okay, I’ve NEVER said it, but I’ve thought it. Who wants to buy a couple of kids who don’t pick up their socks? Anyone? Anyone?
Jade: hope sites like this doesn’t discourage you from being a mom!
Michelle: I especially get angry when I hear parents call their boys a cry baby. Let the kid cry, for goodness sakes.
Momo: if socks are your biggest problem, I’ll take your kids anytime.
That list makes me want to cry. I haven’t said any of those, but I’m not winning any Mom of the Year awards today either.
My oldest has been sick but she’s well enough to be ornery. She’s been pushing my buttons and I lost it with her. I think the worst thing I said was “I don’t care,” but there was yelling. I yelled. Not a proud moment. UGH.
Great post.
[...] in Parenting has a list of things you should never say to your child. You need to keep your cool. Once you say it you will never be able to take it back. Tags: [...]
Great, great post. I love this. And that I can say that I never have said any of these. All of these bring down a childs self esteem.
And that is the last thing we want. We want to build up not tear down.
My mom says some of those things.
Izzy: moms are not perfect and may say hurtful things they don’t mean. Give her a chance to apologize by letting her know if she’s hurt you.
hmm..number 6 is a little familiar to me too… but I only say it in jest when one of my kids eats the last piece of pie that I was saving for myself!
I believe you get what you expect from your children-keep telling them that they are stupid or clumsy and that’s how they will be…
Here are a couple suggestions for the list…
When I was a teenager my mom said to me once “I guess you do look kind of pretty”. It hurt my feelings so much like she thought I normally looked ugly. Also my dad would always ask me when referring to clothes being purchased “Are you sure those will fit you? That doesn’t look big enough to fit on you.” He probably didn’t mean it to be hurtful but it made me feel bad about my weight.
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