Customer Reviews

Because I Said So

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

I just loved this. Funny stories but nice themes woven through. I was very impressed witht this book. I could not put it down actually. I am stressed out at time managing a full-time job and my brood, and reading something like this makes me think I should find the humor in it. Good job. Great writing. A special surprise chapter at the end that made me *postiive* the book is worth the money....

If you read her blog you will not be diassapointed. This is all new material. Thanks, Dawn. For the laughs and inspiration.

Even after reading this several times, I still found myself laughing so hard that tears were streaming down my face. Dawn Meehan is an amazing writer and tells the stories of her crazy house in a way that makes you feel like you're right there watching. I'm passing this book on to everyone I know! Definitely worth the money!!!

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."

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.

I am the mother of 2 girls, ages 5 and 3. This book puts parenting into perspective. She tells things exactly how I felt when they happen to me. Raising kids is a hard job, it helps if you can find the humor in a stressful situation and Dawn does just that!

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! :)

A very funny and refreshing look at parenting. It's nice to know I'm not the only parent who has told a story about my kids that contains the words "yogurt" and "TV" in it without any mention of the TV being turned on or anyone eating.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who has kids, wants kids, or wonders why anyone in their right mind would ever want kids.

Dawn writes with a lot of humor and practical advice for parents. It was an easy read. Her relaxed approach will help parents everywhere feel more comfortable in their own skin.