to really hate the phrase "this too shall pass"

[ClimberChick]

or words to that effect when describing difficult phases that our children are going through.

I know it's suppose to be helpful, but it really annoys me. In no way do I find it reassuring.

But I'm probably just being grumpy (blame the sleep deprivation that at some point in the undefined future shall pass)

Beertrickspotter, isn't it something you might say to someone when things are challenging? you know, don't worry, things will soon get better?

How about it never ends and only gets worse?

One of my favourites...kept me going during labour!

Think I might stick to saying it when times are tough!

It's a phrase which I find enormously comforting.

It became my mantra this summer, when I was going through a pretty dreadful experience.

I tend to use it purely for my own benefit though, rather to cheer up somebody else.

I love this phrase though when times are particularly tough I have been known to change it to "SHIT too shall pass"

I like that saying and find it quite comforting. I also remember, when I was going through a crap time, my father saying 'it's a long road that has no turns' and I often think of that when I'm upset about something.

i guess it can seem a bit dismissive, but I don't think it's generally meant that way

I like it as it helped me to get through some desperate times. It is my inbuilt mantra and from experience I now know it to be true.

When my DS was born and didn't sleep through until 15 months, I wanted to scream When?Damn you? When will it pass?? Never I tell you!!!!

'I think it's a bit inappropriate though to say to an exhausted, sleep deprived, milk-leaking-onto-her-tshirt, shell shocked new first time mum 'this too shall pass' in a (supposedly) wise, (supposedly) calm way. Would find it infuriating if someone said that to me.'

Agree. Someone did say this to me in exactly the way you describe when my DD was 4 days old and I answered the description above. I found the comment extremely irritating. (Especially as she was single and childless, though perhaps that's unfair).

I hate the phrase. Though I'm not entirely sure why. I think maybe because I prefer to try and enjoy and appreciate the moment (despite its hardships) rather than continually look to the future and wish my life away.

oh, no, I disagree. It does make me feel much better and I have repeated it to myself many times over the past 6 years. It's just true, and wise, it gives a proper sense of perspective on life's troubles.

I agree with MmeLindt and maria2007, that it can sound bloody smug.

To me, it's also frustrating, as it implies that there is nothing we can do to change anything, that the timetable is set, that we have to accept all sorts of unacceptable things.

Yes, everyone is humbled by the sleep-deprivation and physical discomfort of the postnatal period (or toddler tantrums or teenage sulks or whatever). And, yes, we should have the "wisdom to know the difference" between the things we can change and those we cannot (cf. Desiderata), but this phrase is just so passive that it really annoys me!

Shouldn't we have at least a little idealism, as parents and as people?

Phases do pass hence the phrase.

But I have to say, it does really remind me of a line out of Monty Python, Just me?

I agree with MmeLindt we should acknowledge that things are shit, in addition to saying this too shall pass and tea, lots and lots of tea.

Really had no idea people found it reassuring, tbh I still see red when I hear it/think about it

YABU - it's just a way of saying 'hang in there, it won't be like this forever'. It's kind, and thoughtful, and often being reminded that, even though you're in hell now, you will come through it, can make it easier to deal with.

Stop being grumpy.

I like it. I find it helps me get through crappy bits of life, but also reminds me to make the most of happy times.

Eek, that's a bit glass-half-full, isn't it?

YANBU - it sounds a bit pompous and, well, to me quite religious! And therefore a bit, "chill out, because it's god's way".

But I do say it to myself in my head when things are bad.

Or when I'm on the loo and constipated.

YABU - Its something I use to remind myself that nothing lasts foreve even if it may seem like it at the time!

'Tis a mantra on our post-natal thread, said to comfort ourselves and others and oft times repeated whilst incessantly rocking from side-to-side in our Group Therapy sessions. But then we are a bunch of nutters

YABU.

It's one of many wise/comforting/funny Jewish sayings I like.

Another is "Vahksin zuls du vi a tsibeleh, mitten kup in drerd!" (May you grow like an onion, with your head in the ground!)