As a parent, I often find myself immersed in a whirlwind of activity with my little ones. I dedicate countless hours each day to ensuring their well-being and safety. Some days are more manageable, like school days or when my partner installed baby gates, or when both the baby and my four-year-old manage to nap at the same time. However, other days can be particularly challenging; I recall the day my youngest discovered the toilet bowl, or when my nine-year-old left his homework at school. On those particularly tough days, all I longed for was a simple shower, which often feels like a luxury I can’t afford.
As the day winds down, my patience tends to wane. I can quickly transition from being an encouraging and nurturing presence to feeling overwhelmed and irritable. The endless barrage of questions becomes increasingly absurd, and I find myself saying “no” more frequently, much like a seasoned pitcher at the start of a new season. “But WHYYYY, Mommy?” they plead. My response? “Because I said so.”
This phrase, while perhaps familiar to many, often feels absurd. “Because I said so?” What logic is there in that? I invest time and effort into nurturing thoughtful, engaged individuals, yet in moments of fatigue, I resort to this catch-all phrase. Instead of explaining why they can’t have what they want—like a mythical Oompa Loompa—I often default to a simple refusal.
The reality is that I’m exhausted. I often feel overwhelmed by the need to justify every decision to someone who is significantly smaller than me. There are times when I simply don’t have the energy to engage in lengthy discussions about their desires or whims. Thus, my answer, more often than not, becomes a tired “no.”
If they want something outlandish, it’s best to ask again in the morning when hopefully, I’ll be more refreshed. Unless, of course, they keep me up all night.
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In summary, parenting can be a mix of joy and frustration, filled with moments that test our patience and resolve. While it is important to foster growth and understanding in our children, sometimes we must prioritize our own well-being and set boundaries, even if it means resorting to the dreaded “because I said so.”