Carrie Willard

putting the "her" back in motherhood

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March 10, 2011 By Carrie 1 Comment

This post may contain affiliate links and I may receive small commissions for purchases made through them.

I Have My Reasons

Sometimes you gotta pull the mom card.

Like earlier.

When I was in the bathroom doing what one does in there. (Sorry for the visual.)

And one 8 year old daughter comes up banging on the door (of course), asking,

“Moooo-oom, can I watch SpongeBob on your compuuuuuuter?“

“No honey, not now.”

“Whyyyyyy?”

Now.

I could just say “because I said so.” Nothing wrong with that. But it sounds a little authoritarian, and I like giving my children reasons. I don’t want them to think that I arbitrarily say no.

good habits
I could list all the reasons. But that would be tiring, and an 8 year old doesn’t really care about my reasons. (I don’t want you to watch TV before schoolwork, I want to reserve that for later when I’m really tired and need some quiet, I don’t want you on the laptop without supervision, because you asked me while I was in the bathroom, etc.)

All good reasons, only I don’t have the energy to say all that. So I just say no.

“But whyyyyy?”

Sigh. It’s early, she hasn’t had breakfast yet, so I let this little bit of whiny slide.

And then I heard the following magic words come out of my lips:

“I have my reasons.”

Silence.

I hear feet pad down the hall, away from the bathroom door.

Apparently it’s enough for her that I *have* reasons. There’s no arguing or begging.

I have my reasons.

You can borrow it. I’m all about sharing like that.

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Filed Under: Mothering

About Carrie

Carrie is a homeschooling mom of 7 and the author of this blog. More about her here.

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Comments

  1. Becca says

    March 18, 2011 at 7:04 am

    Such a cute post, Carrie. So good to hear from you. Sorry I haven’t gotten my report to you but I will, I haven’t forgotten. I actually haven’t finished your book yet. “I have my reasons.” Okay, I couldn’t resist. I do like this expression so well that I will use it with my kids the next time I am cornered. I was tired of my old standard anyways which was, “Because I said so and I’m the Mom, that’s why!”

    A bit tyrannical, I know but it was the best I’ve come up with so far. It works with my husband, too!

    Love, Becca

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Easier Mornings!

Hi, I’m Carrie!

Bienvenue! My goal is to inspire and provide resources for moms to simplify their lives. With what aim?

So they can find time and space for their own goals and passions during the busy mothering years. Simplifying the mundane to make room for the sublime. Let's put the "her" back in motherhood!

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