You are currently viewing I knew you were going to do that!

I knew you were going to do that!

She spills water; you say this.⁠

He drops a bucket of popcorn; you say this.⁠

They start to cry; you say this.⁠

“I knew you were going to do that!” ⁠

A very mean phrase to say to a child. It stings and hurts. It demonstrates you are more interested in blaming their ineptitude than helping them recover. ⁠

You make this situation all about victimizing yourself rather than empowering your child or creating a better strategy.⁠

My questions to you:⁠

Why do you feel the need to say this? ⁠

Does it make you feel better?⁠

Does it confirm you are right not to trust her?⁠

Did someone say this to you as a child?⁠

Does someone say this to you now?⁠

In my experience, I can tell you children trust people who say “I knew you were going to do that!” ⁠FAR LESS than the people who jump in and help them problem solve. ⁠

If this hits home, tell me about it. I appreciate reading your thoughts.⁠

Joshua