The little ones are everywhere around me. They fill my space as I devote nearly all my waking hours ensuring their safety and well-being. Some days flow smoothly: there are school days, the moment my partner installed baby gates on the stairs, and those rare times when both the baby and the four-year-old manage to nap simultaneously.
Then, there are days that test the limits of my patience: like that unforgettable day when the baby discovered the allure of the toilet, or when my nine-year-old forgot his homework at school, and, of course, the day I longed for a simple shower, which remained an unattainable luxury.
As the sun dips below the horizon, my patience dwindles. I can shift from being a nurturing caregiver to someone resembling Cruella De Vil in mere moments. Suddenly, the questions come fast and furious, and I find myself throwing out “no” after “no” like a pro baseball pitcher on opening day. “But WHHHYYY MOMMMYYY?” they plead. “Because I said so,” I respond, exasperated.
It’s a phrase that feels utterly absurd. “Because I said so?” What kind of nonsensical answer is that? I invest so much time with my children—reading, playing, building memories together. I strive to nurture independent thinkers, yet in moments of fatigue, all my efforts seem to vanish.
It’s as if they morph into little Veruca Salts demanding an Oompa Loompa, and instead of explaining the impossibility of their request—“Sweetheart, Oompa Loompas are fictional characters from movies, and we can’t just conjure one up”—I resort to the dreaded “No. Because I said so.”
I’m tired. I’m weary of justifying my decisions to tiny humans who barely reach my waist. I’m too exhausted to negotiate or accommodate their whims in the moment.
So for now? The answer is simply no. Because I said so. You might stand a better chance of getting that outrageous request granted tomorrow—unless, of course, you keep me awake all night.
For those navigating similar parenting challenges, consider exploring resources like this article on artificial insemination kits for insights into family-building options. Additionally, check out the authority on the topic, AAPI-authored and illustrated baby books, and this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination for further information.
Summary:
Parenting comes with its unique challenges, balancing patience and exhaustion as children constantly seek answers and approval. This piece humorously captures the struggle of maintaining authority while nurturing independent thought, ultimately leading to the infamous phrase, “Because I said so.” Resources for family planning and parenting support are also shared.