Funny Things to Say to Your Brother Good Comebacks
Since our third little one joined the family last year, we've experienced a new phenomenon.
When we're out and about together as a family, we'll cross paths with a stranger, and that stranger will say: "You sure have your hands full!" Or some variation of the same sentiment, from "You know what causes that, right?" to "Are they all yours?"
I'm not offended. I know most people are just trying to make small talk or be funny.
But now that I'm on the receiving end of those comments, I'm never sure what to say back.
Because the implication is: "Wow, lady, you have more kids than you can handle!"
But Here's the Truth
I feel blessed to share my life with these little people, so it doesn't feel right to just let the stranger's comment sit there.
It's not that I care what strangers think. Case in point? The fact that I regularly leave the house with dirty hair pulled into a messy ponytail, I let my toddler and preschooler pick out their own (mismatched) clothes, and I have no qualms about busting out a round of "If You're Happy And You Know It" if it staves off a temper tantrum.
I'll never see that person again, so I don't care what they think. But my kids are right there with me to hear the comments, too.
And they're no dummies. They pick up on the tone, not to mention when the words come with actual laughter.
Related: The Only Thing You Need to Survive the "Terrible Twos" – With Your Sanity Intact {Printable}
And Then This Happened
Last week, we were in a clothing store with our 8-year-old, 3-year-old, and 1-year-old – who, by the way, will accept nothing less than being put down on the ground to explore at her leisure. Trying to keep hold of her when she wants to get down is like trying to hold onto a wet dog mid-shampoo who just spied a squirrel 10 feet away.
When you try to contain her, she screams so loudly and so shrilly at the injustice of being restrained that your brain actually recedes into itself, and even four Advil isn't enough to make the ringing stop.
But it's all good because we've developed a system for making sure little Charlie can explore without wreaking havoc.
We always make sure one adult (or super mature 8-year-old big sister) is free to follow behind her and redirect her before she topples a display of wine bottles, mason jars, or one-of-a-kind coffee mugs imported from Peru and individually hand-lettered by female entrepreneurs struggling to support their families. (By the way, stores – can you please stop putting this stuff on the lowest shelves?)
If I need to peel off from the Charlie entourage to grab a tube of toothpaste, I'll say, "Who's got Charlie?"
And my oldest or my husband will answer, "I'm on Charlie duty!"
Maybe it's silly, but it works for us. Our toddler gets to explore the world, and our eardrums don't explode.
Related: A Simple Trick to Run Errands With No Whining From Your Kids
When You Think You're Doing Pretty Alright But Others Disagree
Taking the girls shopping for clothes is a bit of a relief compared to our normal family outings, on account of there being no wine bottles or coffee mugs involved.
And so last week, we ping-ponged around the store, taking turns following Charlie while rummaging through sale racks for cute Fall clothes.
The nice saleslady took us to a fitting room, and we all piled in: me, my husband, the 8-year-old, the preschooler, and the high-octane toddler.
We kept Charlie happy by letting her rummage through the diaper bag – with just one narrow miss when she uncovered a dirty diaper from the morning we'd forgotten to throw away.
After the girls tried everything on, we headed towards the checkout area, and the same saleslady who helped us into the fitting room rang up our clothes.
Charlie didn't last long and zoomed off to explore, so I turned to my oldest Abby and opened my mouth, but she beat me to the punch.
"I'm on Charlie duty!" And she was off to trail her little sister.
The saleslady laughed, then looked from Charlie and Abby to where I was standing next to my husband and my 3-year-old. "Oh! Are you all the same family?"
I cocked my head. She'd helped us into the fitting room. All of us. "Yes," I said. Charlie and Abby zipped by behind me, heading to the other side of the store.
She laughed again. "How many kids do you have?"
"Three…," I said, glancing to the side at my husband. Ever so slightly, he shook his head.
No offense to this saleswoman. I'm sure she was just trying to make small talk. I'm the world's worst small talker, so I've certainly said some things that came out not quite right.
Here's the Problem
As we were leaving the store, Abby sidled up next to me. "Why did that lady ask how many kids you have?"
I kept my tone light. "Oh, she was just curious. Just making conversation."
"But why did she ask it like that?" And then quieter: "Is three too many kids?"
I put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to me. "No, no. Of course not. Three is perfect for our family."
Related: Dear Stranger, If You Think My Hands Are Full, You Should Know This…
5 Perfectly Kind Replies to "You Have Your Hands Full"
Ever since we became a family of three, my husband and I have been brainstorming responses to these comments from well-meaning strangers.
Not sarcastic or snarky replies to make the other person feel bad, but positive responses to make it clear to our girls how important they are to us. That they are not a burden or a joke.
When you get comments like "You've got your hands full!" try one of these responses.
1. Keeps me out of trouble!
I know that one day, my nest will be empty, and I'll look back on this season of parenting and miss having my hands full.
2. Yep, in the best way possible.
Alternative: "Full of love!"
3. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Let your kids hear how grateful you are to have them in your life.
4. I know! We couldn't be happier.
Parenting has its tough moments, but on the whole it's pretty darn awesome.
5. Oh, we're just getting started.
This one's best delivered with a wink.
And if your toddler is like mine when she's out in public (i.e. greatly resembling a tornado), here's one more bonus response to "You sure have your hands full!":
Ha! I guess I do. Want to help?
Because those precarious displays of wine bottles and mason jars need all the help they can get.
Before you go, get my FREE cheat sheet: 75 Positive Phrases Every Child Needs to Hear
Your Turn
What's your best response to "You have your hands full"? Share in a comment below!
Feature photo by Donnie Ray Jones.
Source: https://happyyouhappyfamily.com/you-have-your-hands-full/
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