Because I Said So!

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I always swore that as a mommy and a teacher, I would never say "Because I said so" when my children asked me a question. I envisioned myself patiently responding to every question they asked in a logical and calm manner.

HA!

My daughter's new favorite word is "Why?" And answering her question only leads to another question.

I do try to keep from saying "Because I said so," but after about 22 hours of incessant why questions, I finally cave and snap it out. However, I will try all sorts of things first. I try answering her questions using big words, so that she won't have a clue as to what I'm saying and will be quiet. I try saying "Why not?" I try asking her what she thinks. I have even pulled out "Because God wants it that way." But she's persistent. And eventually "Because I said so," slips out of my mouth.

Today as we were driving along and she started in:

"Momma, why are all the cars stopped?"

"Because there is construction."

"Why?"

"To make the road wider."

"Why?"

"So more cars can fit on the road and go faster."

"Why?"

"Because the people who laid out the roads aren't very smart, and they didn't think about what to do if the population of the city was over 10."

"Oh...why aren't they smart?"

"Because God made them that way."

And then... nothing. I was breathing a sign of relief that the question and answer portion of our car trip seemed to be over when I heard Boyo pipe up with a: "Why?"