Kid Logic
Kids are funny creatures—and we would know, since we were all young once. We also probably remember the kind of excuses we made back then to avoid homework, chores, or family gatherings. If you're a parent, you've likely heard those same excuses being used by your own kids. From the classic "my dog ate my homework" to the blunt "I don't want to," here are the 20 most common excuses all kids make.
1. I Don't Feel Well
The number one classic excuse said by most kids is: "I don't feel well". They'll typically pull this card when they don't want to go to school, but they'll use it for anything—from getting out of eating vegetables or walking the dog.
2. I'm Thirsty
Some kids will use this to get out of bedtime, saying that they're thirsty and need a glass of water or milk before going to sleep. Other kids might say this when they walk past something sweet they want to drink, like soda or milkshakes. It's a cheeky way to try and get what they want.
3. I'm Too Small
To get out of doing something, which is often things that seem scary to them, kids will pull the "I'm too small" card. Maybe it's a swing or a slide at the park they're too afraid to try out, or a game they don't want to play.
Other times, they'll say this to get out of doing chores, like washing the dishes or doing the laundry.
4. I'm Too Tired
Kids will say this to avoid doing homework or things they find tough. Anything that doesn't involve fun will prompt this excuse. The only time they won't say this is before bed, in which case, they'll throw the "I'm not tired yet" excuse instead.
5. I Forgot
This is another classic and simple excuse kids make. Whether they haven't yet finished their homework, haven't completed their chores, or they drew on the wall again after being told not to, kids will typically just say they "forgot" they were (or weren't) supposed to do it. It might be unoriginal, but it doesn't stop them from using this excuse time and time again.
6. The Dog Ate My Homework
By now, teachers have probably heard this one too many times to count. Kids will shift the blame onto their pets in a heartbeat if it means getting out of trouble. Sometimes, they might even use this excuse even when they don't have a dog or a pet.
7. It Was an Accident
Maybe they painted on the table again, or they were a little too rough playing with their siblings. Either way, kids usually try to escape a scolding or punishment by saying it's an accident.
Don't be too harsh on them—they often realize they're in the wrong.
8. I'll Do It Later
To get out of doing chores, what's an easier excuse than saying you'll do it later? That's why kids use this tactic—it's not that they won't do it, it's just that they won't do it now. But the question of when they'll eventually get to doing it remains unknown—if they even ever do it in the first place.
9. I Didn't Hear You
This is another common excuse kids will use to get out of trouble. Were they supposed to take out the trash? Watch their younger sibling? Eat their dinner instead of playing games? Whatever the situation, you're bound to hear this excuse from them.
10. Just Three More Minutes
Kids will say in just about any situation where they want to extend their playtime: at the park, in front of the TV, with their friends, playing games on the computer. If they say three minutes, they really mean at least another half hour... or more.
11. It's Too Hard
Kids will usually say this for homework or, again, for anything they want to evade. Sometimes, though, they may say this if they really do think a task is challenging, like learning how to ride a bike. Even then, they'll use this excuse as an easy way out.
12. The Printer Stopped Working
If it's not "my dog ate my homework," it's "the printer stopped working". Because if you can't blame the dog (out of guilt), why not something inanimate? While printers aren't always reliable—which makes this excuse somewhat more plausible—most of the time, it's still bogus.
13. I'm Hungry
Similar to "I'm thirsty," kids might say this to get out of bedtime or when they spot something they want to eat, like ice cream. Offer them something healthy and nutritious and they'll more than likely give you a firm "no," but offer them dessert? Their eyes will light up instantly.
14. It's Too Hot
When kids get tired of walking around or they don't want to be somewhere, or maybe they're just trying to evade bedtime, they'll likely say they're either "too hot" or "too cold". It's a cue to parents that they'll have more to complain about the longer their wishes aren't fulfilled.
15. I'm Not Tired Yet
Kids will really only say this during bedtime. They're not tired yet; they want to watch more TV, have fun, or play games. But if this excuse is countered with something unpleasant, like "time to clean your entire room," they'll likely backtrack and say they're tired after all.
16. What If There's a Monster?
The classic boogeyman fear. Of course, most—if not all—kids go through the phase where they believe there's a monster living in their closet or under their bed. But they may also occasionally say this just to get out of bedtime.
17. I Need to Go to the Bathroom
Again, kids will say this before bed as an excuse to get up, move around, and avoid going to sleep. But they might also pull this card to get out of situations they don't want to be in, like meeting new relatives, or to dodge doing chores or other responsibilities.
18. I Thought You Said It Was Okay
When kids get in trouble for doing something they know they weren't supposed to do in the first place, they'll use this card. They'll usually pair this excuse with "I forgot" or "I didn't hear you". Sometimes, they could be telling the truth, but more often than not, they say this to wiggle out of punishment.
19. My Friend Told Me to Do It
If kids can't blame the dog or the printer, then what about friends? Since this might make them feel guilty, they're unlikely to say this directly in front of their friends, but they might say it at home to avoid getting scolded. (Parents often respond to this one with: "If your friend jumped off a bridge, would you")?
20. I Don't Want To
Kids are honest. Sometimes, they'll outright admit that they don't want to do something. If you ask them to do their homework or finish their chores and they reply with this... well, at least they're brave enough to say it.
That doesn't mean they're off the hook, though.
