10 Things Sri Lankan Mothers frequently tell their children

Remember the show "Kids say the darndest things" hosted by Bill Cosby back in the day? There should be a remake of this show replacing kids with Sri Lankan Mothers! Although they do say the most ridiculous things, at times it does make sense and they're right. ALWAYS! Here are some of the most popular words of wisdom frequently heard by most kids.

1. I told you so - The triumphant moms most used couple of words, every kid dreads to hear. When things go wrong, or not according to plan, these set of words are often used to rub it in. It's painful, annoying and makes you feel useless as a child. However, most mothers accompany this with a worthwhile advice that usually works out for the better. So once awhile it's okay to go wrong!

2. When I was your age I had three children ran a household and did two jobs. What have you done? - The successful mom rants are not fun yet an earful when you are unable to do certain tasks as expected, or if you're caught lazing around. She'll go on about how irresponsible you're and how she did everything on her own when she was your age. Get over it mom, I don’t want to be so successful!

3. "Don’t come to the kitchen, you'll only double my work" (A minute later) "No one in this house ever helps me cook" - The independent, yet indecisive mom would go on about the manner in which you do household chores and point out a mistake after another leaving you in frustration. Even if you do offer to help her or you decide not to; you lose.

4. " You're like a boarder in this house. I won't be there every day to entertain you" - The futuristic mom thinks ahead and worries for you constantly reminding you that her days are numbered. She absolutely loathes the idea of you wasting time on the laptop, television or phone and chants on how she won't be there for you every day. She is successful in making you think twice, all the time.

5. "Do you think money grows on trees and cars run on water?" - The economical mom! Whatever you're asking for is definitely a No when she uses this phrase. If she accompanies the phrase "I don’t know these things, ask your father" it is a sign of definitely - may be. If she also says "will see" along the lines this phrase, make your mind up because it indirectly means No.

6. "Can't you hear thundering and lightening? When you get electrocuted don't tell me. I'm not coming to hospitals" another similar phrase- "All the time on the phone! Eating, sleeping, studying on the phone! Are you trying to get cancer? Don’t you know  that you  get radiation from those things?" The safety concerned mom, eternally finding fault with technology pointing out all the harmful aftereffects she has heard of. Sometimes her analyzing may seem farfetched yet if you decide to argue with her, you're inviting trouble.

7. "They say Jeewithe Mal Amma Innakal, for a reason, as a reminder for ungrateful children. Why do you think there are no such songs about you?" - The lyrical and passionate mom who relates to musical lyrics and gets emotional way too fast. You can't stop her when her waterworks begin. Consoling her isn't easy as well but she enjoys company and the more you appreciate her efforts, the more she commends you.

8. " I think I have a boy and no daughters! Behave yourself!" - The controlling mom who'll do anything to overpower your cheekiness. She'll threaten you and bribe you demanding best behaviour in public especially in front of her coworkers and colleagues. If you test her patience, there's no going back.

9. "Other mothers won't do for their children the way I do. Don’t take my kindness as a weakness".  Roger that mama. The comparison mom constantly compares her workload over another mom as seen on television or heard through friends. She throws this phrase ideally when you fail to acknowledge her attempts of making your life easier and better and it often feels like a stab in the gut.

10. What is that you're wearing? Very nice! Everywhere open! Get teased and come home will you! The overprotective mom switches on to this mode every time you decide to step out of the house. She'd remind you about all the other clothes you have which is either out of fashion or makes you look like a gunny bag in the making. She'd also remind you about the predators waiting to pounce on you if you decide to ignore her.

There are many other popular everyday phrases used by Lankan moms but these seem to strike out from the rest for many different reasons.

By Eshani Seneviratne