The Merrimack Mommy Chronicles: Because I Said So!

Why? Because I said so!

It’s such a common phrase that us “moms” use, and for a good reason. However, I found out the hard way that using the phrase is indeed for our benefit. Let me explain.

I told myself that when I had my children, I wasn’t going to say the infamous yet ambiguous phrase “because I said so”, because I wanted my children to understand the “why” behind not doing something versus just feeling sometimes confused as to why I would say something like that (like I did).

So, I tried this with my then 3 year old, who asked me, “Mommy, can I have some candy?” “No”, I replied. She quickly interjects, “But, why?” I gently reply, “Well, baby, candy is just not the best for your teeth. You can get a lot of cavities.” She says sadly, “But Mommy, my best friend can eat candy all day long, will she get cavities?”

I further explain, “I am not your best friend’s mom. And if your best friend’s mom wants to give her candy, then that’s her choice” She says, trying to twist my arm, “So can you talk to my best friend’s mommy and see why she gives my best friend candy, and then you can too?” Finally, I can’t take it anymore. I sternly say, “That’s it. You’re not eating the candy, and I don’t care what your best friend does or her mother, we aren’t doing that in this house. That’s it!” She cries. And cries, and cries and cries.

Take Two.

It’s the next week. My three year old says to me, “Mommy, can I have some candy?” “No”, I replied. She quickly interjects, “But, why?” I gently reply, “Because I said so.” She says, “Oh okay.”

I was thinking to myself, “That’s it?” And it truly was. She’s never asked me again to this day. So, this one’s to all of my moms who frequently use the “because I said so” model, knows that it works, and further knows that there is never, ever, any situation that would make you reason with a three year old!

By the way, Motherhood the Musical, has because I said so t-shirts in honor of the best musical of the season in Huntsville, AL! So, get your tickets today and your “Because I Said So” t-shirts when you get here. You’ll be glad you did! See you there!

Purchase your tickets by calling the box office at 256.534.6455 or by visitng our website: www.merrimackhall.com/motherhood.

Yours in Motherhood,

Kristen