I don’t say

 I don’t say “because I said so”

I explain
Even when I’m tired
Even when I’m late
Even when it would be easier not to

Because one day
They won’t have me to ask

One day they’ll be making their own choices
And I won’t be there to tell them yes or no
To remind them what’s right
To help them pause before reacting

So I teach now
Not just rules
But reasons
Not just what
But why

Because I’m not raising someone who blindly obeys
I’m raising someone who understands
Who questions
Who thinks for themselves
Who knows how to make decisions with confidence and compassion

So no
I won’t say “because I said so”
I’ll say
Let me help you understand
So one day
You’ll be able to do the same for someone else