How do you know? I once got upset because I lost one of my child's boots in Target and cried the whole way home. I felt like an idiot, but I had my reason for crying, and so does your child. They have every right to be upset about something and, often, the reason they're upset may be something normal like they're exhausted or hungry. (Seriously, if anyone knows the life of a child being hangry, it's my kid and me.)
5 "Only Babies Act Like That."
This phrase covers a whole range of situations. I've heard parents say this to older children crying, to big kids having accidents, and even to preschoolers who are over-tired. It's belittling, end of story.
6 "I Sacrifice A Lot For You."
Lots of mommy martyrs like to use this one. Of course you sacrifice a lot; you're a mother. But your children didn't ask to be here. They didn't ask you to have them. Reminding them that you sacrifice a lot for them makes you the queen of guilt trips and can make your children feel like they owe you something for being a mother.
7 "Leave Me Alone."
We all need quiet time as parents, but you should say that instead. “Mommy needs a little break.” “Mommy is going to have some time alone.”
8 "I Never Get Time To Myself."
Again, sanctimommy words. There's literally no reason to say this to your child. You're going to make them feel bad if they're old enough to process that statement, or you're just putting it in their head that they are a nuisance.
9. "Stop Asking Me Questions."
It's annoying, I know. But you want your kids to be curious. You want them to question their surroundings, to ask you about things they hear and see.
10 "Get Over It."
You're basically telling your child that their feelings don't matter and that they need to hurry up and move past a situation. Unfair.
11 "It's Not A Big Deal."
But everything is a big deal to kids. Literally, everything. If they finish a puzzle, if their ice cream cone falls to the floor, and seeing a giraffe at the zoo — all enormously big deals.
12 "Don't Be So ___."
