Even kids with the sunniest dispositions have been known to get down in the dumps or a bit cranky from time to time. Sometimes, a silly phrase is all it takes to dry their eyes and bring a smile back to their faces, a trick that experienced nannies know well. Here are ten sayings that kids have a hard time resisting, even when they’re in the sourest of moods.
- “Oopsy daisy!” – When little ones stumble, fall or bump into something hard, they almost always spend a moment debating the merits of a good howl. Before they can make the decision to cry, make them laugh with a bright smile and a silly phrase like the classic “Oopsy daisy!” It’s a surefire way to stave off those minor mishap tears.
- “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!” – Nannies and their charges are all likely to be quite familiar with the world’s most iconic domestic caregiver, Miss Mary Poppins. Taking a page out of her book by quoting the title of one of her most recognizable songs during yucky medicine dosage does indeed help it go down a bit more smoothly.
- “Peek-a-Boo, I see you!” – Few sayings inspire as many giggles in the smaller set than this old standby, but a word to the wise: it only works if you bring in the requisite hand motions or face-hiding.
- “This ain’t my first rodeo!” - Maybe it’s the imagery of rodeo clowns and kid-favorite cowboys, but expressing playful doubts with this classic quip is always good for a chuckle or two from the little ones.
- “Top o’ the mornin’!” – Some kids, just like some adults, are decidedly not morning people. When a groggy, crabby little one comes reluctantly stumbling out of bed, affecting an Irish brogue and pulling out this gem is guaranteed to get a giggle.
- “This little piggy went to market…” – The rhyming words and cheerful cadence of “This Little Piggy” are a favorite of caregivers and parents alike because it’s a surefire way to cheer up a surly toddler. Throwing in a little foot tickle as the last “little piggy” runs all the way home boosts this saying’s power exponentially.
- “A face without freckles is like a sky without stars.” - Kids with a tendency to freckle will invariably take a bit of ribbing from their un-speckled peers, which can cause a bit of distress. This upbeat quote is great for easing the hurt feelings that come with being teased.
- “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” - Convincing kids to eat healthy snacks can be a challenge in itself. Trying to convince one that’s already sullen about being denied junk food can be even more difficult, but pulling out this rhyming adage might bring a smile to their face and a new appreciation for produce.
- “Open your mouth and close your eyes and you will get a big surprise!” - After a rough day, a major boo-boo, or any other disheartening misadventure, surprising a kid with a piece of their favorite candy or sweet might be enough to dry their tears and get them back on track.
- “Cheer up, Buttercup!” – Getting straight to the point with a tried-and-true rhyming phrase is a good way to acknowledge a kid’s displeasure without being overly confrontational, especially if you do so in an upbeat tone of voice.
Kids are likely to respond well to almost any cheerful, rhyming phrase you can think of, especially if the subject matter is a bit on the silly side. Being a nanny means being able to channel your inner child, so the next time you have a particularly sullen kid on your hands think of all the silly things that made you crack a smile as a child; you’ll probably find they’ll do the same for your unhappy camper.
Taken From Become a Nanny
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