We're hands-on parents. We're fair and loving. We have conversations with our kids, explaining the how and the why of the 300 hundred questions that they ask per day.
But sometimes, just sometimes, we're pushed to the limit. Right up to the edge of that 4 word cliff. No, not four letters. (Well, ok. Sometimes that one.) Four WORDS.
"BECAUSE I SAID SO."
While the internet parenting experts want to convince us to erase the phrase from our parenting lexicon because "it doesn't work", "they deserve real answers", and "you wouldn't say it to employees you manage". Well, guess what? "So", "Not always", and "I would if I could."
Here to illustrate exactly why we're sometimes left with no choice, parenting guru, Louis CK.
"I really want to get a dog. All my friends have dogs and it makes me sad that we don't. I would totally take care of it. I'd feed it, and walk it, and even clean up its poop."
"Well, mom said that when I turned 10, we could get a dog."
"You always tell us stories about the dog you had when you were growing up. How he'd wait in the window for your school bus to bring you home from school."
"Honey, I know you want a dog. Dogs are great. But it's just not going to happen right now. Dogs are a lot of work and we just don't have the time."
"That's not fair! I'm the only person in my class who doesn't have a pet. Please can we get a dog? Please? Please? Puuuhhhhhllllllllleeeeaaassseeee?"
"I'm really sorry. The answer is no."
"Why?"
"I already explained. Dogs aren't a toy or an accessory. They deserve to be treated like members of the family."
"You're right.
What I really want is a sister."
"Why?! Don't you want me to be happy? You didn't grow up as an only child without pets. It's unfair. I'm sad and lonely. WHYWHYWHYWHYWHYWHY?"
"I NEED NEW ANSWERS! THIS CHILD WON'T ACCEPT MY ANSWERS!"
"BECAUSE I SAID SO!"
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