Parenting Life-Hacks: Avoiding The “Because I Said So” Trap

dr. Kristijan Musek Lešnik
Oct 18, 2025
2 min read

Every parent eventually unleashes the classic line: “Because I said so.” It’s quick, efficient, and shuts down debate. The problem? When it becomes your default, kids stop learning why rules exist — and eventually, they stop listening altogether.

The thing is, sometimes you need authority and sometimes you need to explain. The trick is knowing which is which.

“Too much ‘because I said so’ raises kids who either blindly obey — or stop listening altogether.”

AVOIDING THE TRAP

You don’t need to explain everything like a TED Talk. But balancing authority with explanation teaches kids how to think, not just how to obey:

Use explanations as teaching moments. Instead of “because I said so,” connect dots:
- “We don’t run in parking lots because cars can’t see you.”
- “Homework before games so you can play without stress.”

You’re not negotiating — you’re teaching.

Match explanations to age. Four-year-olds need “too much candy makes your tummy hurt.”Older kids can handle “sugar gives energy, then a crash.”
Keep it short. Think tweet, not thesis. ("Bedtime is 8:00 so you have energy tomorrow.”).
Offer choices within limits. Boundaries stand, but with agency inside:
- “Shoes on — red or blue?”
- “Bedtime at 8:00. Read or music before lights out?”
Save ‘Because I Said So’ for emergencies. Crossing streets. Grabbing sharp knives. Lightning storms. These are “no-questions-now” moments. It carries weight when it’s rare.
Circle back later. If you used it in a rush, follow up. (“I needed you inside quickly because I saw lightning.”) This rebuilds trust.
Model respectful boundaries. Even firm rules can include empathy: “I get that you don’t like brushing teeth. I don’t either. But it keeps us healthy.”
Admit you don’t always know. Sometimes the best answer is: “Good question. Let’s find out together.”