JFF: Are You like This Too?

I have definitely used the "because I said so" line. And in my opinion it's a perfectly acceptable answer to the question of "Why" ... why? because I'm older, smarter, wiser, more experienced and the mama ... THAT'S why.

I also tell my kids "This is a dictatorship not a democracy." LOL They don't always like hearing that but tough darts farmer.

When they say "I hate you" I respond with "Good, I'm doing my job right then".

When they say "You're mean" I sometimes respond with "Keep pushing it and you'll see how mean I can get" LOL Usually though I just respond with "Yes I am" LOL

The most common one in our house is "Fair does not mean equal." And sometimes, when they've really ticked me off with the "that's not fair!" cry, I will make them recite the definitions for fair and equal, to re-emphasize it. They know perfectly well what they are, but when they have to actually define them, it usually helps it sink in better.

My children have never in their life told me I'm mean. Nor have they ever said they hate me. (We don't allow that word to be spoken in our house)

It may well be that I will hear both before they reach 18, but I certainly hope not. I treat and speak to my children with respect (so that they learn how to do the same). I give them reasons for what I say. If they start to argue it, I simply say, "This is not a debate. I've told you what needs to be done, and I've told you why. Now I expect it to happen." And they know to stop at that point, or they will end up losing a privilege.

I, also, have used the one Angi C. has........ just the other day, as a matter of fact....... my children wanted to do something and I said it wouldn't be worth it for the short amount of time we had. And my son said, "Well, we think it would be worth it, and it's two against one. I thought you said this is a democracy!" (Oh, how I laughed inside!) Then said, "Our country is, sweetie. Not our family. Our family is a benevolent dictatorship. And you know which of us is the dictator!" And smart kids that they are, they didn't even suggest Dad. They know who's in charge. ; )

I have a sign in my house
"Moms of teens know why animals eat their young."

I also say this in response to You're mean, Not fair, etc..

You're right. I am mean . I am the meanest mom on the planet. I went to mean mommy school and graduated at the top of my class. In fact I'm so mean, even the other mean mommy's though I was mean. So you better pack your bags and go find another mommy quick.
Even at 5 my kids would look at me and say no you're not.

Or this--
I'm your mother, that's why.

I like your quote. I said I'd not say, "because I said so." I've found that sometimes that's the best answer. However I've "improved" it. lol I say because it's important for you to learn to obey without asking questions. So far, it's only been a couple of weeks, my granddaughter still wants to know why. I pray for patience.

Oh I am totally that person. When my kids would tell me that I am mean, I tell them that I hope I am the meanest person they ever meet. And "because I said so" is used often.

"you better stop crying before i give you a reason to cry"

I hatehatehatehatehate this quote. I think it's abusive and lacking empathy. When I hear someone say this to their kid, I lose respect for them because it's such an immature reaction to a child who is crying.

That said.

I also rarely say "because I said so" because my kids deserve more respect than that. BUT I have said it if they refuse to listen to my real answers.

My famous ones are:
"If you want to live here you have to be a part of the team" (ie cleaning up)
"You are not the parent, I am" (when one of the older ones tries to discipline a younger one for no reason)

I'm sure there are more, but it's early and my coffee didn't wake me up yet.

Lol, Yes me and my husband are both like this, and we say those phrases alot.. My kids ask me why.. "because I said so and don't ask me again" ad my kids know the "fix your face now, or I'll give you something to cry about" another famous one is "grown folks talkin.. Stay in a childs place"

I love the "I can give you a reason to cry!!" LOL!!!

Raised in a barn? You keep leaving the door open.

You will never know how much I love you until you become a parent.

Well, when you have kids - you will know what it's like not to sleep and worry...it's my job - I'm your mom.

Yes! I would be a bloodhound for my kids!!

Thanks for the smile!

One thing I find myself saying lately is "It's none of your business!" and I mean it, but she doesn't understand why if everything she does is MY business, why she can't constantly ask me when the phone rings "Who was that? What did they want?" It drives me nuts. I get tired of explaining to a six year old about creditors, insurance agents, telemarketers, and such...it's exhausting to talk about these things!!! :)

But I try to be kind about it.

And sometimes you just have to say "Because I said so."