I've discovered in the last three years since I've become a full-time stay-at-home homeschooling mom that saying "No" to kids is a regular occurrence. Sometimes, it's every hour; sometimes, it's every minute. To help out other moms, I've developed a list of ways that you can say "No" to your kids but still have some variety. Ready? Here we go!
- "No" - short, sweet, and to the point.
- "I don't think so" - probably best only to use if you might actually change your mind.
- "I don't THINK so" - said with attitude.
- "I think NOT" - variation on the one above
- "What do YOU think?" - be careful with this one.
- "What planet are you on?" - used for completely psychotic requests, such as M&Ms for breakfast.
- "Go ask your dad" - make sure he's on your side, first.
- "No, way" - may vary with "No way, Jose" or other silliness
- "Over my dead body" - make sure the kids won't take you up on this!
- "Yeah, in a blue moon" - check to see when the next blue moon is!
- "Do I look like I've lost my mind?" - be careful with this one, too.
The kids might give an honest answer. - "When he** freezes over!" - OK. Maybe not a good one to use with kids.
- "Not in this lifetime" - again, make sure the kids won't take this literally!
- "What kind of fool to you take me for?" - don't wait for an answer.
What would you add to this list? I'm sure it's not exhaustive! Leave your comment below.
Special thanks to Mr. Math Tutor for helping me come up with this idea late last night, which may account for it's craziness.
1 comment:
Hmm... I find myself saying "Absolutely not" frequently, as if the intensifier adds gravitas to my refusal.
When it's a "not right now" situation I try to put some hope in their hearts, like "We'll do that tomorrow" or "next time" or whatever. Then of course I have to keep track of my promises. :)
I do find my daughter's tears can turn "abolutely not" into "okay" in about 3 seconds. I don't ever crumble on purchases, but I do crumble on convenience issues -- this morning it was "May I take this bowl of cereal and milk along in the van on the way to rehearsal?" Absolutely not became just be careful.
Being her, she didn't spill a drop.
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