I want to get my hands on some equipment so I can create videos with subliminal messages for my kids to watch.
Why not? What would happen if, while they watch their favorite cartoon, they suddenly get the urge to go clean up after themselves in the bathroom?
Okay, maybe that is going overboard. If my kids got that urge, they’d quit watching TV. I don’t blame them. So the plan is to go small, to be both subliminal and subtle.
I could splice in messages that suggest they share. Feel-good messages about how wonderful it is to share your toys with your siblings… instead of dangling them over the younger ones and making them cry and beg.
Here is a list of subliminal messages we could send the kids:
Homework is best completed the night it is assigned, not five minutes before it is due.
It’s better to eat your veggies the first time, rather then stuffing them in between the leaves of the table.
Shirtsleeves aren’t napkins or tissues.
Underwear and pants are separate items; please pull them apart before tossing in the hamper.
“It’s time to leave” means it’s time to get in the car NOW, not go to the bathroom and search for your jacket.
“It’s time to eat” means that it’s time to eat NOW, not go to the bathroom or read one more chapter of your favorite book
“It’s time for bed” means go to bed now, not start a homework assignment.
“Advance notice” means give Mom a few days to prepare for your 4-H presentation/meeting/class party. Don’t tell her five minutes before the event.
“Thank you” and “Please” are definitely magic words and work on parents like a charm.
They must be every parents’ dream, though I can see smart kids doing the same in return adding subliminal messages like the following:
• Dessert will be served every night.
• There will be no chores on Saturday.
• Allowances will be increased 500%.
• Television viewing will be increased to four hours a night.
• X-Box games will be played BEFORE homework.
• The only vegetables served will be corn-on-the-cob and French fries.
• I never have to help change a stinky diaper again.
• No little brothers or sisters will be allowed in my room again.
When it comes down to it, there are probably a million subliminal messages kids and parents would like to exchange to make family life more idyllic, but the best of all (and it doesn’t have to be said covertly) is “I love you.”
(Jelly Mom is written by Lisa Barker, a busy mom of five, and syndicated through Martin-Ola Press/Parent to Parent. To read more, visit www.JellyMom.com)
