In a Parent’s Response to His Kids, Is the Word “No” Enough?

All I can say on this subject is that it never was my style.  I didn’t have a problem saying, “Sorry, we can’t do that, because …. (e.g., we’ll be late for school).

Being an authoritarian for no real reason is demeaning to kids.  It teaches them that might makes right, and that reason and civility are not required.

Obviously there are exceptions.  If the house is on fire, you won’t be explaining that burns can be painful, etc.