For Cleanup Away From Home

Four lines you can say out loud tonight. Word for word. Free to save.

What to say

1. We clean up here the same way we do at home. The sand toys go first.

2. Leaving while the fun is still going is the worst part of any park day.

3. Five buckets and two shovels in the bag, then we walk to the gate.

4. You carry the bag. I hold the gate and I wait for you.

When to use it

This is for the moment it actually goes wrong — not the calm version you rehearse in the car. Pick one line. Say it once. Then stop talking and wait three seconds. If they push back, repeat the same line, not a new one. Say the same thing for five nights before you decide it doesn't work.