No kid is exactly the same because kids are, like us parents, unique individuals. However, it boggles my mind how predictable and similar children and the catch phrases they use can be.

I’m hungry. This phrase is classically heard just after the click of carseat buckles or the turn of a car key as you’re pulling away from a party where copious amounts of food was served, but not eaten.

I have to go to the bathroom really bad. This one usually comes halfway into a walk to the playground, or when you’re pulling the car onto the highway for a 30 minute trip.

I’m NOT tired! shrieks the overly tired toddler at nap time. I think this video clip about sums it up.

You never let me do anything fun. Oh, challenge accepted my dear.

You’re not invited to my birthday party. I hate you. You’re the worst mom ever. I’m sending you to jail! I’ll group all of the insults together. They’d be insulting were they not so hilarious. I find that laughing in their face really isn’t the best way to handle these. Ignore. Ignore. Ignore. I promise they’ll phase them out, at least until we hear them again at 13 or so.

Then there are the good things. When I really stop to think about it, and to document it, there are way more good phrases than annoying or insulting phrases. Just when you think you can’t possibly take it anymore, couldn’t possibly endure another car ride where every comment begins with mom, Mom, MOM even though you’re the only other person in the car, they bust out with these truly heartfelt sentiments. I love you more than the biggest piece of chocolate cake. I want to stay with you forever. I love you to the moon and back and the sun and back and the stars and back – that’s a long way! You’re the best mom in the whole word. You are the cat’s pajamas. I think you’re the bee’s knees. And my favorite: You are the light of my life.

So when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed by all the mundane, predictable things your kids say and ask for, try thinking about all the truly adorable, heartfelt, caring things they come up with too. And share – what’s your kids phrase du jour – whether funny, annoying or sentimental?