In the realm of parenting, I hold the conviction that even the youngest children—those around 3 or 4 years old—merit thoughtful responses to their relentless “why” questions. While it can be mentally draining, I believe that addressing their inquiries deserves the same respect we give to conversations with adults.
However, my heart knows that the reality of parenting often clashes with this ideal. There are moments when I simply lack the time, energy, or desire to provide a comprehensive answer. In those instances, I find myself resorting to the phrase, “Because I said so.” Truthfully, I dislike using it. It feels dismissive, as if I’m denying my children the genuine explanations they deserve. But sometimes, I have no choice.
Real-Life Examples
Take, for example, mornings when we’re racing against the clock to get to an appointment. My child might ask, “Why do we have to go to the doctor?” Ideally, I would love to elaborate on the importance of regular check-ups and how they keep us healthy. Yet, with mere minutes to spare, my response is limited to, “Because I said so. Now, please get in the car.”
Or consider bedtime, when the evening routine seems to stretch on forever. After telling my kids it’s time to sleep, the inevitable question arises: “Mom, why can’t we keep snacks in our bed?” My mind wants to delve into the reasons behind cleanliness and hygiene, but at that hour, I simply want to close the door and breathe a sigh of relief, so out comes, “Because I said so.”
The Importance of Explanation
I understand the significance of explaining my reasoning to my children; it fosters their understanding and helps them grow into patient adults. Yet, the sheer volume of their questions can be overwhelming, leaving me longing for a moment of peace with a glass of whiskey.
Moreover, there’s a crucial element of respect involved. As a certain character from a popular show once proclaimed, “Respect my authority!” There are appropriate times for inquiries, but when I’ve already given a directive, it’s essential for my children to follow it without incessant questioning. We have all the time in the world for meaningful discussions, but not right before school starts.
Looking Ahead
With sincerity, I hope that as my children mature, their questions will become more profound and significant. Instead of asking, “Why can’t I color on the bathroom wall?” I wish for them to seek understanding on more complex issues, like “Why does my friend have two dads?”
In the future, I aspire to find more patience and time to respond to their queries with kindness. But for now, with my kids being just 3 and 4 years old, they must learn that there are appropriate moments for questions, times for thoughtful answers, and instances when they simply have to trust that Mom knows best—because she said so.
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Summary
Parenting can be a balancing act between answering countless questions and managing time constraints. While children deserve thoughtful answers, sometimes “Because I said so” is the only response that fits the moment. As they grow, the hope is for deeper inquiries that foster understanding, while teaching them the importance of respecting authority and timing.