“I gave you life.”  That’s my standard response for a variety of situations.  So much so, that the kids nod their head knowingly when they know it’s coming, but it works with everything, I promise.

For example:

Kid 1:  “But I don’t WANT to fold the laundry.”

Me:  “I gave you life, can you give me folded clothes?”

Kid 2:  “MOM, you ate my last GOLDFISH!”

Me:  “I gave you life, can you give me one goldfish?”

Kid 3:  “Do I HAVE to clean my room?”

Me:  “I gave you life, can you pick up your toys?”

See?  It’s a good one, don’t you think?