Top Ten Things Kids Say That Ruin a Holiday Visit

(Especially when spoken in a whiny voice)

1. I don’t like it here!
2. I’m bored!
3. There’s no one to play with!
4. Something stinks!
5. Is there anything to eat?
6. I accidentally broke something!
7. The toilet’s stopped up!
8. I’m going to be sick!
9. How much longer do we have to stay?
10. Can we go now?

How to Stop Your Child From Saying Things That Can Ruin a Holiday Visit
(Without the Use of a Gag, a Muzzle, or Tape–Smile)

1.  I don’t like it here!

No one enjoys being a tag-along instead of an invited guest. Avoid taking your child to places and events that are geared toward adults and do not accommodate the needs and desires of children.

2. I’m bored!

Bring along things for your child to do that will not make a mess or damage or destroy anything. Portable DVD players and/or electronic games (with headphones) work well. And so do coloring books and activity books that don’t require permanent markers, paint, or water.

3. There’s no one to play with!

Whenever appropriate, try to include your child in as many conversations and activities as possible. In the event this is impossible, get your child involved with independent activities that he or she will enjoy doing.

4. Something stinks!

Discuss with your child the negative things that he or she might encounter in another environment. Then explain to your child that negative comments about someone else’s environment are rude and should not be said.

5. Is there anything to eat?

Unless the event includes a meal, feed your child before the event. Also bring along non-messy snacks that your child will enjoy eating during the event.

6. I accidentally broke something!

Instruct your child ahead of time not to run or engage in any other kind of boisterous activity indoors. Try to keep your child away from valuable objects or objects that are in precarious locations. If at all possible, make sure that you can see, and therefore supervise, your child at all times.

7. The toilet’s stopped up!

Accompany your child whenever he or she needs to use the bathroom in order to ensure that everything is used properly and everything is left tidy and clean.

8. I’m going to be sick!

Take your child seriously when he or she complains about feeling sick. Tend to the illness and leave immediately if your child does not get better.

9. How much longer do we have to stay?

Before attending the event, let your child know how long you will be staying. Then stick to the amount of time that has been allotted unless both of you agree to shorten or extend your stay.

10. Can we go now?

When it is time to leave the event and everyone is ready to go, leave right away instead of prolonging your communications or farewells.