Be a Better Parent Challenge - Day 16 - Say what you mean...

Challenge #16 - Say what you mean and mean what you say
I realize that this is somewhat similar to the "in a second" challenge that we had a few days ago, but it really does take things to another level. It's probably no surprise that we often say way more than needs to be said - whether it's because we don't say it effectively, we say it when our kids aren't really listening to us, or we just say it because it sounds good at the time.
But then we have to follow through on what we said.Because we want our kids to trust us. I am really big on following through, even if its just a good description or postponement of what I said we'd do until a later date. Believe me I always come up with some legitimate reason because if I don't then basically, I am just a lying asshole. There are already too many of those in the world. I don't want to be the first for my child.
However, we'll worry about all that good stuff later. For now, just concentrate on what you're saying.Take a second to think about what's reasonable and what makes sense. Are you just saying stuff to say it or do you really want your kids to listen and understand? Do you mean everything that is coming out of your mouth? I want them to listen and understand the words that I am saying.But I also want to be sure that I am not making idle threats or false promises, so I really have to filter what I say. In fact, most of the time, I am filtering the big guy too. It's so hard having to tell a grown man to watch what he is saying so he doesn't permanently fuck them up.
That could really change what you're saying and how you're saying it. And really, truly LESS IS MORE, especially when it comes to kids. Isn't there some statistic out there that says they really only catch like 2-3 out of every 10 words or something? I'm convinced my girls have selective hearing and only really hear the parts that benefit them.
I'm not surprised. They are 3 and 5, they are total id! How I wish I could live that way, damn you super ego! We Mommies are riddled with super ego! Super my ass. What's so super about guilt?( Anyways, sorry about the tangent.)
We'll have plenty more challenges that deal with this because I think it's a biggie. But today, give it a try and see what happens.