Comments on: I love you but . . .

By: Jordan

Jordan — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:44:39 +0000

@Lindsey—Oh, I’m working on that one, too!

By: Lindsey

Lindsey — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:35:00 +0000

Ooh, I hate the phrase “I’m sorry, but…”

I’m trying to stop myself from saying, “okay?” after I tell my kids something. “You need to pick up your toys and then you can have a snack. Okay?”

It’s not like I’m asking for their permission or their agreement. What I mean is “do you understand?” So I’m trying to say that more so they don’t think they have negotiation powers over what I say.

But…I’ve been trying to keep from saying that for two years and it hasn’t changed completely yet. Maybe by the time they’re teens:)

By: Jordan

Jordan — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:28:56 +0000

@Terresa—Thankfully, this is seldom something I have to deal with when (very) angry. I doubt I could put much thought into it in that state.

@Dad—Yeah, but—translation: “I will nominally acknowledge your point, but then I will tell you why you’re wrong.”

By: Dad

Dad — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:55:25 +0000

Interesting observation.

I started to realize how many times we cavil with the words “yeah-but” when a Finn pointed this out to me many years ago. “yeah-but” means “no”.

By: Terresa Wellborn

Terresa Wellborn — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:14:35 +0000

Yes, as a matter of fact, I blogged on a similar topic last night {the unlearning of behaviors and reactions as a parent that are not good}. I’m realizing that my children are learning from my words and actions with every day, every word.

I need to filter more through my brain before it comes out of my mouth. So much to learn. So much to unlearn…