We’ve all said things at one moment in time that we subsequently go on to forget about or wish we had never said.

 

And while it’s a lot easier to backtrack on something you said to an adult, it is a little trickier when it comes to your child who won’t forget what you promised them

 

Here are seven promises not to make - unless you are going to keep them, of course:

 

'I promise you can get a dog when you’re older'

Usually said when your son or daughter is really young, don’t think they’ll forget about it because they won’t. Ever!

 

'I promise you can have an ice-cream if you’re good'

If your youngster manages to stay well behaved for the whole day, then you better not let them down by opening up an empty freezer – make sure you’ve ice-cream before you make the promise.

 

'I promise we will go to the park on Saturday'

Come hail, rain or snow, if you promise to take them to the park you better be willing to stand firm on it – no matter the weather.

 

'I promise I will come and tuck you in later'

Usually asked by a tired, sleepy child, if you say you’ll tuck them in you better not get distracted by the TV and forget – they certainly won’t.

 

'I promise so and so can come over to play next weekend'

Don’t break their little heart by making a half-thought-out promise before realising that you actually have to work at the weekend.

 

'I promise we’ll go to the park after we go shopping'

It is easy to make a promise to your child to encourage them to do something for you – just be prepared to keep it otherwise they won’t believe you the next time.

 

'I promise I’ll be at your match'

Explaining to them that you won’t be there is a lot less hurtful than making a promise which you aren’t sure you can keep. They will be more disappointed if they expect to see you and you can’t show up.

 

Instead of making a promise, be open and honest with your child – they will respect you more for it. 

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