Because I Said So: And Other Tales from a Less-Than-Perfect Parent

By Dawn Meehan

Book Overview

Yes, there are times when it's appropriate to reason with your child, to patiently and eloquently explain why he or she needs to do as you ask. You might present convincing arguments like "Because it makes you strong"; "Because it will keep you safe"; "Because it's good for you"; "Because it's bad for you." But there are times when the only thing that really makes sense is . . . "Because I said so!!"

This book is a hilarious, honest romp through motherhood--the joys, the sleeplessness, the frazzled days, the unending carpooling, the in-house refereeing, the dieting (yeah, right), the worrying--and did we say, the joy?

Here's what some of that joy looks like--with excerpts straight from the book:

- I tried to do the Buns of Steel video, but quickly realized that it wasn't intended for people who have buns of pudding.

- I felt like my head might explode. I kind of hoped it would so I could take a nice, peaceful ambulance ride out of there.

- I was a little at a loss. I mean, those parenting books don't tell you how to break up a fight over an imaginary friend.

- Moms aren't allowed to get sick more than one day a year. Single moms aren't allowed to get sick ever.

- Before you have children you can't imagine yourself saying things like "Don't put chocolate milk in your pants," "Take the hot dog out of your nose," or "Because I said so!"

If you're a mom-to-be or a mom in the trenches, you'll love knowing that you're not the only one out there who sometimes just figures it out as you go along--and sometimes can't figure it out at all. But in the end, Dawn has these words of encouragement just for you: "Enjoy this time. Even when they make you crazy, these are the best days of your life." And they really are, aren't they?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0078XUO1C
• ISBN13: 9781439191767
• Release Date: July 2011
• Publisher: Howard Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

I Say So, Read "Because I Said So"

Dawn Meehan lends her soothing and humorous voice to a book that details just some of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of her family of eight. More than a book about the kids, though, it's a book about what happens to Moms because of what happens to kids. Every experience that our children provide for us including sleep deprivation, kid sport watching, grocery shopping with kids, kid art and the dangers of "quiet time" are on the menu. Dawn is "every" mom. Her trademark humor and "scratch-out" technique from her blog are a welcome presence in the book. Every parent will enjoy reading Dawn's humorous description of the things are most likely happening in every family. Reading the craziness in Dawn's family, though, makes us feel better about the craziness in our own family. Anyone reading this stuff may think that there is no way that one person would have to deal with the number of things Dawn has had to deal with in just one morning! Every mother knows differently! If you ever need a pick-me-up, read the "Clay story" that starts on page 122, it's hilarious. My favorite parts of the book are the introduction of the "Notme" character, Dawn's "sick" story, of course the "Clay story."

Recommended for fun, laughter, with a touch of sanity

In May, 2006, Dawn Meehan auctioned on Ebay "a dirty old baseball" and it sold for $1,125.00! It was the humorous stories about her children the bidders really liked. Dawn started a blog in June, 2007, to earn money while staying at home with her children. She auctioned Pokemon cards on Ebay that somehow mysteriously appeared in her grocery cart. Her wild daily experiences with 6 children spread through the net like "a virus." She received 94,000 'hits' a day from around the world on her blog. She became so popular, her readers pressed her to write a book, thus Because I Said So came to print. Dawn feels books did not prepare her for the many chaotic experiences she would face while rearing children. She says it usually took four hours to shop for food with her children. On one occasion, she found her account had no money. There was also another incident of embarrassment when fire trucks and police cars showed up at her house because her child had locked her out when she emptied the trash. Meehan admits that, "before kids", she pictured the "idyllic world" and raising the "perfect child", but then you have your own. No one told her duties would be chauffeur, the Tooth Fairy, or children would become "budding artists" and would take two years to remove markers from walls.. Having kids' means you no longer have your own hobbies, it means, "play house, dress up, and pretend you work in a restaurant". Then, there's camping. "Food, Gas and Lodging next Exit"..., does not always mean "there is food, gas or lodging at the next exit." Meehan suggests, if you camp, locate the "nearest emergency facility." Dawn says, her children have taught her well. "Parenting is definitely a profession with on-the-job training" and "if you are going to raise children, a sense of humor is an absolute must." She reminds parents they are not alone. Being a parent is rewarding and fun amidst all the struggles faced every day. Because I Said So, gives encouragement to all moms and dads on coping with their own chaotic episodes, whether they have one child or several. This book is recommended for fun, laughter, with a touch of sanity. Clark Isaacs Reviewer

Hysterical - good laughing therapy!

Whether you've had kids or just know people that have, you will laugh yourself into better health by reading this book. I've been following Dawn's blog for about a year and so I knew the book would be funny. I was not prepared for just HOW funny it would be. Hysterical! It was all I could do NOT to read it all in the first sitting! :) Great stuff, and I'm sure if you are a parent, it will make you feel great to know you're not alone in your struggles! :)

Who among us hasn't used this phrase??

As a mom and grandmother I found the stories entertaining and fun. Dawn has a great attitude about dealing with her family and all of their differences. She's refreshing and witty and never trashes her family to make herself look better. I admire her patience and sense of fun and check out her blog regularly. This is a great shower or new mommy gift.

A quick, easy, hilariously funny read!

Written by the enormously popular blogger Dawn Meehan (of BecauseISaidSo.com), this book is like a longer, more detailed version of her terrific blog. Those of you who have come to know and love Dawn and her family through her blog will recognize all the characters, but there's new material in there so you won't feel like it's just a re-tread of the blog. If you want a light, easy and wildly funny look at parenting a large family, stop here. It's a ton of fun to read, and it will make you feel great to realize that all parents - no matter how many children they have - strugle with the same craziness in raising our kids.