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With Brett, my 10-year old son, I've had to say this on occasion. I usually attempt an explanation if the situation fits. Sometimes, however, there either isn't time for one, or the reasoning may be beyond their grasp (a two year old doesn't understand most of the finer points of social graces). If I had to abruptly stop Brett from doing something, I'd usually ask "Do you know why I stopped you?" or something to that effect. More than half the time he KNEW what he was doing was wrong (when he was 2 or 3) but that's part of childhood at that age.. .pushing boundaries to see what you can do.
However, I think that "Do as I say, not as I do" and "Because I said so" are perfectly acceptable explanations to kids, and I will use them with my baby when he gets older (at 7 days old, there is no reasoning with them!!!). Frankly, it's a matter of respect. Having a military background, I firmly believe that sometimes the rules are the rules whether you know why or not, whether you like them or not, or even whether they are good or not. *shrug*
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