"because i said so"

i think we have all heard the phrase "because i said so" snarled our direction through gritted teeth at one point or another in our childhood. as a child i know i didnt realize the frustration level the adult must have been experiencing and the control it took for them to utter that phrase and not something else. these last few weeks, my six year old has been pushing me to the brink and i have found myself snarling clever things like "because i said so" or "because i am your mother and i make the rules!" what is it about being 6 years old that is soo rough i am wondering?!

this morning at the busstop went something like this:

me: gee, i am glad it finally stopped raining.
f.: me too, now i can play tag today.
me: well, its pretty muddy and slippery out there from all the rain, i dont think that playing tag is a good idea today. maybe you can play something else, like rock, paper, scissors with your friends.
f.: i have to play tag, its the only fun thing i get to do every morning.
me: f. i really dont think its a good idea.
f.: fine, i will play zombie tag, we will walk like zombies. but i am still playing tag.
me: (sigh)

then i proceed to get everyone out of the car, get m. and k. all ready with their backpacks and waiting for the bus. it is such a busy intersection and busstop that i stand there holding m&k hands. f. runs off to play with his friends.

f: (in tears) moooommm, i cant go to school today.
me: why not?
f: look at me
me: (now noticing he is covered from head to toe in mud) well, go wait in the car, after the little boys get on the bus, i will take you home to change

finish waiting for bus and get the little boys on the bus. return to the car and prepare to take fin home to get him changed.

f: mmmooommm, why didnt you tell me not to play tag???!!!