"He just woke up from his nap."
That's the disclaimer for my kid's crazy hair in the afternoon when I refuse to "fix" it before we run errands. No, he doesn't normally look like this, but I choose to only tackle the routine of getting his hair to lay down once a day.
"My house is disgusting, don't look at it."
I know you're going to look, but please just ignore it and maybe even forget you saw it after you leave. Okay, you won't ignore it, but at least you understand that I haven't had the time to do it myself or the sense of mind to text the cleaning lady to come by as soon as possible.
"He didn't nap today."
Yes, that kid in the corner with horns is mine, but I think this is only because of his I-know-what's-best-for-me toddler mind who refused to take a nap even though he was alone in his room in his crib for nearly two hours.
"The cookies are a little crunchier than I would like."
Yes, it is true that I may not be the absolute best cookie baker ever. Sue me.
"Reed woke up a zillion times last night."
Please don't mind the dark circles under my eyes or my "casual" look or disheveled hair.
So, why do we use disclaimers? I am sure no matter who they are, be it a friend or a complete stranger in a store, they have probably been there before. But, I know for myself, it makes me feel a little better. Even though the cookies may not be as good or Reed's hair may not be as neat, they are good or in place the majority of the time. I guess it probably even opens up the idea that we aren't perfect. I know I am certainly not perfect, but the disclaimers work to bridge the gap. I mean, who could manage to do everything right all the time or even have the time to make sure everything is in order? I'd like to see a person who could, I would be happy to know the secret. Until then, I'll continue to use disclaimers.
Do you have any favorite disclaimers? I would love to hear about them!
And because it's pretty hard to write a post without a picture of my adorable toddler, I thought you might enjoy this pic!
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| This is one bad hair day! I probably would have combed that a bit before heading out the door! |
How very true is this! I've never thought of it quite this way, but its something I do especially when it comes to the kids. Hope all is well with y'all!
ReplyDeleteHa! I even use disclaimers with Justin!!! Like when he walks in from work and the house is a mess and stuff is bubbling on the stove and I am sitting on the couch with the iPad as Jack beats me over the head with legos or a toy airplane: "THIS IS THE ONLY TIME I HAVE SAT ALL DAY!" before he even says a word.
ReplyDeleteI use all the ones you listed (especially, lately, the one about Jack waking up a million times a night...what is it with these kids??) And why are we so defensive? When I walk into other mom's houses, and there are toys all over the floor, the only thing I think is, "wow her kid must have had a lot of fun!" I don't judge. I probably think "wow, her kitchen floor is awful clean, how does she do that?" :)
This is so true! I don't think it is a mom thing, I think it is a life thing! I use "He's actually really nice off a leash" when Samson starts growling at people...basically, "Back away from my dog, he is on a leash, and yes he might bite, but trust me, if I just take him off the leash don't be scarred." :)
ReplyDeleteI think we all want to defend ourselves because we think people are silently judging! :) Last night I actually saw a commercial where the lady looked at a store employee referencing her husband "yeah, we just now getting in shape".
Ah, I love that disclaimer Kelly! I honestly use that all the time as well. And, it is so true that I don't judge, so I don't know why other moms would do it.
ReplyDeleteE, that's so true that we think people are silently judging us!