PRACTICAL PARENTING â—½ HOME
Rhymes to Remember
by Marcy Lytle
Did you ever learn rhymes as a kid in order to help you recall scales on a piano, or how to do a math problem or other hard things? Remember any of them? I thought it would be fun to offer some new up-to-date rhymes for your littles to help them learn new skills in today’s world. Learn them and encourage the kids to repeat them…as they need them.
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Put it away so we can play (if your kids have cell phones)
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Close your mouth when you eat, and at the table take a seat (manners at dinner)
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If you win, get up and dance – If you lose, get up and dance – no matter the circumstance! (for those that play sports)
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Was a friend mean? Take a knee. Ask God to bless them. And get up free. (for help in not holding grudges, but rather giving them to Him.)
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Take bite, you never know. That taste just might make you grow! (for picky eaters)
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I don’t want to go to sleep, but God has promised my soul to keep (simple and sweet for bedtime)
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I’m so angry I want to hit, but I can be calm and not throw a fit. (to diffuse a situation)
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I want to go outside and play, but it will have to be another day. (when weather is too hot or rainy)
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Sharing is caring, this I know. Want to play with me? Let’s go! (when friends are coming over)
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In the library, we speak quiet and low. Others are reading, respect we show. (for library visits)
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At the park, we run and play. Always smiling and near Mom we stay. (for safety at the park)
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It’s hard to go to school some days, but God is with us at work and play. (for rough mornings)
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Can I watch just one more show? Maybe tomorrow, but today is no. (for TV whines)
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My parents said no and I am sad. But I know they love me, this makes me glad. (for all the no’s)
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I want to run. But I have to sit. For just a bit. And then I can run. (when sitting is required…)
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See what other rhymes you can make up for difficult situations. Sometimes, little words that sound fun to say can settled down an otherwise chaotic day!