Why Does Jason Preston Refuse to Tell His Kids Because I Said So?

Jason Preston tells Geek at Sea that negotiating with his children, over dessert, TV time, or a trip to the zoo, is more work than a flat order. He still prefers it. Because I said so, he says, has zero meaning, and he tries not to use it. He wants the kids to take part rather than merely obey. The extra work exists because they are different people. His daughter will throw a long fit if she is not the one who turns the TV off. His son asks to be carried and to have his seat belt buckled. They get real options. Past those options, the answer is no.