No Means No!

When parents say “No,” their children learn important lessons - like how to deal with disappointment, how to prioritize, and how to strike a balance between work and play. Studies show that kids who understand that they can’t always have their way excel in school, form better relationships, and have more successful careers.

Examples are:

1. When you children say, why can't I do it?-- parents should tell their children No you can't to teach them how to think independently and make good decisions despite peer pressure.


2. The Latest Trend of Gadgets- If your child’s friend gets a new gaming system or an iPhone, you can bet they’ll ask for one, too. Saying, “No” in this situation reinforces your family’s values and helps your child realize that money doesn’t grow on trees.

3. When children ask for more extra time on the TV- Sure staying up late on Friday night to watch one more show won’t hurt your child. However, on a greater scale, missing a TV program is a minor disappointment that helps them learn to cope with not getting what they want.

4. At the Supermarket- this is the perfect time to teach self-control and good eating habits. You can tell your children that eating too much sugary treats is not a good eating habits and that you are saying No because you don't want them to get sick or so.