"Because I Say So!" is enough of a reason to tell your children without any other explanation needed

[NWP]

Agree or Disagree?

Discuss....

[kehgiggles]

I voted agree but I didn't think it through before I read some of your replies. I always have a reason, but I don't think I need to justify my every decision with my kids. That usually turns into a whole new discussion and then I tell them that I am the adult and I get to decide. I just don't use the words "Because I said so".

I just reemed out my dh the other day for abusing this privelage in a really stupid situation. I generally don't like to over-ride his decisions, but this one begged for a reversal. 

[Paperfishies]

Disagree. Children, even from a very young age need to understand why boundaries and limitations are set. When you understand exactly why you can't or shouldn't do something you're more likely to follow the rules.

[melissam78]

Understanding the rules is where the "why" comes in,yes,I expect my children to follow what I say but I also want then to understand why.(don't be loud in the car,why?because it's a distraction which could lead to a dangerous situation.no you cannot have that new toy,why?because we need to buy things we NEED first.)IMO explaining certain why's to our no's (other then just saying,because I say so) helps our kids to make wiser decisions,because they know the "why's"

[kailu1835]

lol

Its getting better... Slowly...

Quoting GLWerth:

It would seem that you and I agree a lot on parenting, if nothing else.

Hope you are getting more sleep these days!

Quoting kailu1835:

Agree... IF you don't ever want your kids to learn to make good decisions for themselves.

So basically, I disagree :)

I believe in explaining to my kids why I made the decision I made, so that they can better understand the logic behind the decision.  Sometimes I cannot give a why right away, so I tell them that we can talk about it later, and that's usually enough for them. 

I don't think it's ever really okay (IMO) to say "because I said so and that's the end of it, period, end of story."  There is always a reason for decision making, and it's important for kids to understand.

[pamelax3]

I feel it depends on the situation. I always try and explain but as in my DD (15) always wants to argue the "because I said so" is my fall back