2 minute read
Tactical Hand Signals w/ Kids
Image credit: Winslow Homer “Snap the Whip” 1872. (Modified) Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
ADULT STUFF w/ KIDS
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T A C T I C A L HAND SIGNALS
Elite military units, police SWAT teams and heavy machinery operators all use hand signals. Parents rarely hunt down terrorists, kick open stash-house doors or operate cranes, but hand signals can be an effective way to communicate with kids. Simple words and phrases like stop, go, and come here cover about 50% of what you need when dealing with kids. Go to the park or take your kids on a bike ride and that number jumps to 90%. Save your voice and your sanity by introducing a standard set of hand signals next time you and your family are out and about.
STOP
As in: Wait for me to cross that eight-lane road.
COME HERE
As in: Come here so the other parents don’t hear my empty threats.
GO
As in: Go ahead and pick a spot on the beach, I’ll eventually catch up with the blanket, chairs, toys, cooler and towels.
NO FUCKING WAY
As in: I see the ice cream truck, but we are NOT getting any.
REALLY?
As in: Do you think it’s a good idea to whip each other with small tree limbs?
STOP WHINING
As in: You are driving me nuts.
