looking for appropriate phrase

[tectonic-drift.livejournal.com]

I am looking for Russian phrases to substitute for the “I love you” that a mother or father would use when saying goodbye to their children. I have been told by a native speaker that a mother using the phrase “я люблю тебя, Наташа” to her daughter on an answering machine as farewell phrase is awkward. Would you agree? And, if so, can you help suggest some substitutes? Thanks.

Comments

[hound-lancer.livejournal.com]

Daresay, Russian parents hardly ever use any phrase of this kind at all. The speech situation like "I love you daddy/I love you too, son" is not natural for the Russian language, and although it occurs sometimes now, more often than not it is regarded as borrowed from English, inspired by the moovies.

[kegarawashii.livejournal.com]

if I heard "I love you" as a farewell phrase, it would scare me.) the first thought would likely be "did something happen/are you not calling me anymore?"
if needed, pet names are usually quite enough to express the whole "I love you" thing.

[gailochka.livejournal.com]

I agree with previous answers, and a mom could just say "Целую" (I kiss (you)) or "Обнимаю" (I hug (you)) at the end. And can use all the "pigeon" language accustomed to in the family: Птичка (birdie), рыбка (fish), киска (kitten), дорогая (dear), роднуля (sort of "honey", "sweetheart") etc, etc.

[oiseau-russe.livejournal.com]

It sounds really as a farewell phrase, as if shi thinks they will not meet anymore.

[dr-frey.livejournal.com]

+1 completely agree
we usually say something more neutral like "пока" or "удачи"

[ex-roumor.livejournal.com]

lol aye indeed

[oiseau-russe.livejournal.com]

Oups! she, not shi!

[kalaus.livejournal.com]

+ Будь паинькой! (Be a good girl/boy).

[laertid.livejournal.com]

Well, my mom and I indeed use such words even when talking on the phone, although not every time we call each over, of course.

[rqrmarine.livejournal.com]

please, try not to use this phrase, a child could be deathly scared ;)
"спи сладко" is possible

[tectonic-drift.livejournal.com]

Spasiba. I appreciate the confirmation and suggested alternatives.

[spiderhood.livejournal.com]

I have been told by a native speaker that a mother using the phrase “я люблю тебя, Наташа” to her daughter on an answering machine as farewell phrase is awkward.

It would sound all right in one case only: if next thing happening is that one of the characters drops dead. Otherwise, it is indeed unnatural.