9 Phrases that Confirm You’re Turning Into Your Parents

Cheryl Barry - 12 Nov 15

Have you found yourself saying things that your mum or dad used to say to you? The type of comments that used to make your eyes roll? When did this happen? This sudden ability to spout stuff that is pointless, meaningless or plain ridiculous? Here are some of the things I’ve found myself saying which I always thought I’d never say:

• “Because I said so.” – I used to hate this phrase with a passion when my mum used to say this to me. But inexplicably I have found myself saying it a lot lately. Maybe it’s because my eldest won’t take no for an answer or maybe it’s because my youngest’s favourite phrase at the moment is “WHY?”

• “It will all end in tears.” – I’m mum to two young girls. They’re at an age where they’re suddenly fighting a whole lot more and I find myself playing referee and trying to separate them but do they care at that exact moment that the other one has their favourite colour spoon for breakfast that it might end in tears?

• “We’ll see.” – Another frustrating and irritating response I used to get from my mum. But I get it now. It’s the one to use when you really don’t want to go to little Johnny’s party on Saturday afternoon but can’t think of a really valid reason why.

• “Eat that dinner, there’s children starving in this world.” – I honestly have said this to my daughter recently. Why is it that so many parents have battle times with their children at dinner time? Why won’t they just eat their tea? I’ve tried cajoling, pleading, bargaining and then this line out of sheer exasperation. Of course it was met with a completely blank look. At the age of 4, children of course have little concept about other countries let alone the possibility of being starving hungry.

• “Eat your carrots, they’ll help you see in the dark.” – Another phrase used in the hope of getting children to eat. But unlike the comment above, did provoke some interest (in visionary powers, but sadly not the carrots).

• “Move away from the TV your eyes will turn square.” – Asking them to move away from the TV fair enough, but saying their eyes will turn square is just plain ridiculous. They’re never going to believe it are they?

• “How many times do I have to tell you?” – A fairly meaningless phrase. Is anyone keeping count?

• “Don’t make me turn this car around!” – As if we are ever going to turn the car around! Our parents never did and we won’t too.

• “What part of ‘no’ don’t you understand?” – I’ve still not figured out exactly how many parts of no are but I still seem to come out with this little gem on several occasions.

I’m sure there are more comments that I’ve missed. Let me know if you have any more to add to the list!

Cheryl Barry

Cheryl Barry is mum to Alice, 6 and Eva 4. She is trying to grow her working life as a freelance marketing copywriter whilst juggling motherhood. She blogs mostly about these two different worlds and how they often collide at www.teaorwine.com and at Huff Post. Cheryl lives in Chelmsford, Essex. Follow her on Twitter at @cherylebarry

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