30 classic parent sayings you swore you'd never repeat – but you've definitely said at least five times
It's ok we all do it!
There's always that moment, when your nerves are frayed to their last thread, when you eyes are so puffy you can barely see, when your emotions are yo-yoing between anger, sadness, tiredness – or all of the above – that you'll end up saying something, and then you'll shudder, sigh and realise... 'good god I'm turning into my parents'.
But don't worry it happens to the best of us! There are so many parenting sayings and clichés out there. Phrases that your parents got from their parents and so on and on it goes. Often, you have no idea where they came from and they mean absolutely nothing, yet in moments of parenting fatigue you find yourself reaching for them all the same.
The important thing is you're able to laugh at them, because at the end of the day they're harmless and a comforting little echo of the way you grew up. So let's take a look at all the ridiculous things you've probably said to your children...
1. Don't sit close to the TV, you'll get square eyes
Whose parent didn't say this? Especially in the days when TVs were a lot smaller and you had to get much closer to see the action.
2. Don't frown – if the wind changes your face will get stuck like that
I was terrified of the wind for far too long as a child.
3. Not in my house (sunshine)
Sunshine is optional but you've definitely said this at least once!
4. Am I paying to heat the entire street?
We get it, heating is expensive and there's nothing more annoying than someone not closing the door properly.
5. Pick that up before somebody trips on it and breaks their neck
Neck breakages always rank highly on a parent's imaginary injury list, sitting alongside back cracking.
6. Put that down! You don’t know where it’s been
Very true, although random germs and children are like plants and soil.
7. Eat your crusts, you'll get hairs on your chest
This has never encouraged anyone to eat their crusts in the history of ever, so why does everyone say it?
8. Eat your carrots – they help you see in the dark
This one's a little more tempting – it would be great to see in the dark.
9. Were you born in a barn?
An absolute classic, but a bit unfair on barns which do usually have doors!
10. When I was your age...
Just no. Put yourself on the naughty step if you've said this.
11. If you’re too full to finish your dinner, you’re too full for dessert
100% stand by this one, no sweet treats if they don't eat their vegetables first.
12. It’s no use crying over spilt milk
Fun fact, this has never been said when actual milk has been spilt. Although any mothers who have spent ages pumping breast milk and then spilt it are totally justified in crying!
13. This isn't a hotel you know
Clean, sharp, gets the point across well – you aren't their maid.
14. I’m going to give you until the count of three...
Even we don't know what happens when we get to three.
15. It will all end in tears
It's a bit of a negative one but sadly often turns out to be true.
16. That chair's for sitting not for climbing
You know you've reached full parent status when you say this.
17. Don't make me come up there
Always make sure you have a plan for when you do inevitably go up there.
18. It's like Blackpool Illuminations in here
Your child probably has no idea what Blackpool Illuminations look like, but go for it.
19. It's like Piccadilly Circus in here
See above.
20. As long as you're under my roof you'll do what I say
This is a risky one because there's always that one child who will say 'fine' and go stand in the garden.
21. Don’t make me turn this car around
Be honest, you have no plans whatsoever to turn the car around.
22. Don't come crying to me when it all goes wrong
We all know you don't mean it though.
23. If so-and-so jumped off a bridge would you copy them?
Another risky one in case your child says 'yes'.
24. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all
Honestly a few adults could do with heeding this phrase still, so keep saying it!
25. I don't care who started it
You might not care for the parenting, but you do care for the gossip. It's always good to know it's one of the other kids at school starting problems rather than your own.
26. Don't eat the apple pips or a tree will grow inside you
Even a four-year-old would question the truth behind this one!
27. It's not a fashion show
For tweens and teens, yes it is.
28. Take your jumper off so you can "feel the benefit" when you go outside
This makes no sense, and some people still believe it in adulthood.
29. It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it
Mums love to be smug about taking coats. You are said Mum.
30. Don't talk with your mouth full
Ending on a classic and a good manner to teach! No-one wants to see half eaten food.
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