Most of the time this is a way to simply remind my kids to get back on track when they are doing something like a handstand when I’ve asked them to do something else.  Other times, as in this case, it’s more serious and necessitates a teachable moment…

I was getting ready for a live radio interview via phone and reminding the kids that they needed to be completely quiet until I gave them the all clear.  One of my darlings condescendingly smacked the sibling with, “Yeah, do you think you are capable of that?!”

Definitely “NOT helpful!” 
On the contrary, it was hurtful!
I quickly reminded them that their tongues hold great power.   (Proverbs 18:21)

What were some better options? 
*If that child was concerned about the sibling being quiet, it could have been brought to my attention in a nicer way.
Or,
*That child could have encouraged the sibling by saying something like, “I know it’s really hard to be completely quiet, but we can help each other so Mom will be proud of us!”

From the topic of “Cooperation” in Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments, I found this related verse which helps turn “Not helpful!” into “Very helpful!” for this scenario.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.
Ecclesiastes 4:9

I can imagine my family encountering this conflicting signage
and saying in unison, “Not helpful!”

Want to know what else my kids hear a lot?
Scroll through my blog series on the subject.
What do your kids hear a lot?