It was such a simple statement, easy to say and remember, and it has stayed with me throughout the years.
In our house, I've used that statement many times, but let's be honest. There are only so many times that you can say it calmly or sweetly, unless you're medicated. And most of the time, their hands are used for hurting when the sweet cherubs are in an enclosed environment....say, the van.
What's a mom to do, when she's
Tell them to sit on their hands.
You heard me. I tell those kids to sit on their hands. Yes they whine and complain saying things like, "it hurts", but that's when I calmy say, "Hands are for helping, not for hurting, right?"
Bam. Got 'em.