Here’s a list of sayings my kids have heard so many times it’s likely etched into their brains!
- “Use your temptations.” Just do the opposite, and you’re headed in the right direction.
- “It’s not a moral issue.” If it’s not about right and wrong, don’t tell your sibling how to do it.
- “Was that yours before you found it?” If not, it’s not yours. So, you can’t keep it.
- “No noise for noise.” No, you cannot pretend to cry.
- “We make to create, not to keep.” I don’t keep art projects. Sorry, not sorry.
- “Don’t compare.” It makes you either arrogant or sad. Focus on your own path.
- “There’s no such thing as fair!” To want fairness is to compare. Focus on justice and mercy.
- “Do it with a happy heart.” Complaining wastes an opportunity to give Jesus a gift.
- “It’s better to be kind than funny.” Your sibling may give you excellent ammunition, but…
- “If you’re tempted not to confess it, put it at the top of your examination of conscience.”
- “Jesus, let my pain help someone else because I love you.” For those little hurts, offer it up.
- “Try again.” Hasty words and disrespectful tones get an automatic do-over.
- “I see a yellow butterfly!” Whenever we see yellow butterflies, we pray a Hail Mary.
- “Play your movie! Don’t worry about the words.” Use your imagination to pray the rosary.
- “How would you change this for next time?” Adapt and do better!
- “What is Jesus teaching you with this experience?” Find the lesson and the grace. It’s there.
- “There’s always a choice.” It might be a hard choice, but…
- “Did you pray your Our Father?” Every morning before your feet hit the floor, pray!
- “Ok – Report.” This means tell me your business.
- “Don’t force it.” It works in plumbing and in life.
- “You’re the servant leader.” If you’re in charge while I’m gone, you serve while I’m gone.
- “You don’t have to eat your dinner, but there’s nothing else until breakfast.”
- “Bless your sibling.” We frequently draw the sign of the cross on each other’s foreheads.
- “Give me space!” So, yeah. I need a little bit of room now and then.
- “I love you, but Jesus loves you more.” This is why you are special!
