"Because I said so" : Parental Ethos

The phrase "Because I said so" is commonly used among parents. But what does it really mean? I've been in a store on several occasions where this situation has occurred: a child does something the parent does not like, the parent tells the child to stop, and when the child asks why the parent simply says, "Because I said so."

Why? Why do parents feel as though their word is final only because the words are being spoken by them? My idea is that parents feel entitled to this Ethos. But should it ever be questioned? I think so.

I believe the parents should explain their reasons for reprimanding their children instead of defaulting to this pseudo-entitlement to Ethos, the consequences for not explaining one's self can be detrimental to the child's development.

A movie I watched recently about a woman in her early twenties being pestered by her over bearing mother is another example. When her mother would encroach on her daughter's personal life and attempt to tell her daughter to make certain decisions, her daughter would ask her why she was being so intrusive, her mother would only respond with the phrase, "Because I said so." Her mother felt the same sense of entitlement to Ethos that thousands of adults in parenthood also feel they posses. Although this is an exaggerated example of the Parental Ethos, this still holds true in every day life. 

Should parents feel this entitlement to Ethos? Should it be given and taken away at certain times or when the child reaches a certain age? Yes, I believe so.

Parental Ethos is an often abused tool. I believe it has its positive qualities such as when trying to impart certain morals and values within the child, to help them in the long term and future of their life- but even this can be disputed.

However, Parental Ethos also has a darker side. Parents often default to the phrase "Because I said so"- possibly out of laziness- and do not realize the consequences of this action. By simply telling the child those four words, the parents miss the multiple opportunities to teach the children an actual lesson and help them develop critical thinking, social skills, and the skills to help them determine right from wrong.

I believe this Parental Ethos should be...not completely disregarded, but diluted when the child begins growing older, this way the child can begin to form their own opinions and skills necessary for their all around wellness and quality of life. 

Parental Ethos must be something heavily monitored, it can easily be abused. This tool must not be underestimated- by the good influence but also the damage it can leave.