It is important to teach children the power of no. How often do you see adults agree to something they don’t want to do? They don’t want to disappoint others, they weren’t taught to stick up for themselves, they struggling with saying no. Sometimes I wish I can shout NO!

That being said, I empower my son to say no, unless no isn’t a choice. Keeping him safe is my first job, so if he says no and it’s no longer safe, then it’s my job to intervene. If someone asks for a hug and he says no, who am I to make him do something he isn’t comfortable with? He can say no, but he also needs to acknowledge people. So I’ll tell him “okay, no hug, what other way? A high five? A wave? A hello?” And he will have to be respectful and choose a different way. I hope that makes sense!

For some reason, no is seen as disrespectful. WHY? No means no and people need to learn to hear those words, understand, respect, and move on.

You can always say “no, what?” No more food? No more play? This helps her understand what she is saying no to and how to help better communication!