Use Your Words

Use Your Words ~ A phrase that I don't remember using when teaching my children back in the Dark Ages. Nor do I recall it being used when I was a child. Nor do I remember its being used in the classroom until 2001 when I began working as an assistant in a preschool. The teacher there used it continually.

Some years ago now, I was entering a store when a little boy of about three was being carried out football style. I can only presume that the woman carrying him was his mother. All the while, he was saying things like: I am very angry. I do not want to go home. You are not nice. Please put me down. His mother was repeating over and over "Good job using your words."

While shopping in Joann's a few weeks ago, John and I observed a young mother with six or more children (I just remembered the baby strapped to mama's chest). They were better behaved than any two children I've ever seen in a store. The oldest daughter was given the task of matching embroidery threads to the fabrics being purchased and the remaining five kids were circled around the shopping cart holding on with the exception of, again a three-year old, perched in the shopping cart's seat. 

There were many smiles as customers were truly amazed and pleased to see such delightful children. Just when I began to think that theirs must be a highly regimented, perhaps even harsh home, the little boy began to get riled at the registers. His mother calmly asked him if he could be cooperative for just a few more minutes. He said, "No!" She laughed and replied, "Well there's an honest answer." 

Despite that minor outburst, they made it out of the store and to their van without further difficulties. Indeed, John and I were wide-eyed impressed.

And then I had to run back into my grands' home after I had already bid my adieus. They were not expecting me so soon. Ha! I heard this: You are rude. You are the most obnoxious person in the entire world. 

It was a little startling so I said to my daughter-in-law, "Well that is very articulate." She replied, "He's using his words." 

What's my point? I wish that someone had taught me how to use my words. Whenever I get riled up, I become an incoherent mess. And I am realizing that to live in the country I now live in, I am going to need to maintain some sense of sanity. There are going to be times when I will not be able to sit down and shut up. I plan to use my words.

Burying this on a Saturday... 

Have a good one!