“Because I said so...”

            Listen to me when I tell you not to run in the house or pool or anywhere where you can get hurt. Don’t run or you will slip. But when a strange person is following you, run. Run the way you do when I am about to yell at you. But instead of running away from me, run towards me, so I can cradle you in my arms. Why? Because I said so

            Listen to me when I tell you to comb your unruly and tangled hair. It’s loud, big like your personality and different. Different like the way your classmates will see you. I know how cruel those kids will be. They will try and comb and fix your hair until it looks like theirs. So, when I tell you to comb your hair, it’s not because I hate it. It’s because I rather have you comb and control your hair and personality before they do. So, comb your hair. Why? Because I said so.

            Listen to me when I tell you to look both ways even when it’s a one-way, tranquil street. You never know when a car will come speeding in the opposite direction. I don’t want to hear the sirens of the ambulance coming afterward. When I tell you to look both ways, even on a quiet, one-way street, it’s because you never know what life will try to hit you with. So, it’s better that you see that it’s coming and let it pass you than getting hit by it.

            Listen to me when I tell you to do your homework; I know how hard it can be. It’s better that you struggle with these problems at home, so we can work on it together. If not, I will hire the best tutor I can find. So, when I tell, you to do your homework or you will get in trouble, it’s because you must work in life. It’s better that you struggle and learn how to manage the problems now with me, then do so when you are alone. So, do your homework. Why? Because I said so.

            Listen to me when I tell, you to brush your teeth or they will rot. Rot the way some people let their dreams do. I want you to maintain your teeth along with your dreams and happiness. When I tell you to brush your teeth, it’s because I want you to learn how to maintain things that are important to you. So, brush your teeth. Why? Because I said so.

            Listen to me when I tell you to clean your room. I want it to be as organized and neat as it can be, not chaotic and hectic like navigating the streets of New York City. I want you to always have a calm and tranquil environment to escape the craziness of your life. So, when I tell you to clean your room, it’s because I want you to have a safe space you can be proud of having. You deserve it. So, clean your room. Why? Because I said so.

            Listen to me when I tell you, cannot go to the party of the year. It’s because I know how loud that music can be. That music can make the no’s sound like yes, the screams a part of the chorus, and the alcohol sound refreshing. It will drown out any other sounds like your opinions, your joy, and your self-worth. I want you to be heard like how I hear your muffled cries every night. In life, there will be moments that will feel like that loud party. So, when I tell you cannot go to the party, it’s because I want to protect from the loud music, and peer pressure as long as I can. Don’t go to the party. Why? Because I said so.

            Listen to me when I tell you these things. I have lived your life already, have made the same mistakes you have, and heard the same speech a million times. I want to see you grow up into a beautiful, self-loving and happy adult. I don’t want you to get stitches, break your bones, heart, and mind. But when you do, I’ll be there with the best surgeon I can find. But I still would hate seeing your blood and tears drip off you because you refused to listen. Just listen to me. Why? Because I said so. Because I love you and don’t want to see you get hurt.