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list of manner mantras for children

February 27, 2009 By 8 Comments

There are a few phrases that I have used over the years that make me stop and think. They are the ones that my parents said to me or that I heard from teachers, but take on a deeper meaning now with my own children. They seemed to make a strong impression the first time I used them. Unfortunately, they also seem to lose effectiveness the more they are said.

manners mantras for children

  1. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
  2. You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.
  3. Actions speak louder than words.
  4. The grass is always greener on the other side.
  5. All good things come to those who wait.
  6. Slow and steady wins the race.
  7. Don’t put off ’til tomorrow what can be done today.
  8. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
  9. Honesty is the best policy.
  10. Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

What are your favorite family mantras?

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  • Christian

    You get what you get and you are thankful for it.

    (because if they are thankful, they won’t whine or throw a fit!)

  • Brethart77

    …another, if my father was working on something around the house, in the garage, or out in the yard (which he did quite often), and if we as curious children would ask him what he was doing…he would always reply, “I’m mowing the lawn.” Then we would say confusingly, “Oh…” knowing that he just wanted us to go away.

    …another he would say was, “If you take care of your equiptment (which meant just about anything) it will take care of you”…I’m pretty sure he learned that one in the military.

  • Brethart77

    My mother would say if we cried, “If you don’t stop crying right now, I will give you something to cry about!”

    Now that I’m older I realize how manipulative crying usually is and it’s just as upsetting to me as it was to her – unless there is broken bones, severed limbs, or if a loved one (or pet) has died. I see adults who use still that tactic and it’s just sickening.

    Another she would say when we were sick was, “No coughing!” When we complained that we couldn’t help it, she would say, “Oh yes you can…!” I still don’t understand that one.

  • Marie

    I say the “you get what you get” too but end it with “and you don’t get upset”

  • EntertainingMom

    Children should be seen and not heard! Why are these little creatures always so damned LOUD!

  • Meg

    I can’t think of anything mroe other than the ones you posted.

  • Samantha

    What my mother always told me to say to the mean kids
    “I’m rubber, you’re glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.”

  • Mom2my9

    My dad had some weird sayings, but one of my favorites was, “Bored people are boring people!”