Learn To Say No In A Positive Way

Learning to say no in a positive way is one of the hardest things for new parents. Saying no to children when they want something is a big challenge and an important learning experience.

With this in mind, in this article we will look at how we can say no in a positive way.

Tips to say no in a positive way

If you have ever wondered how to say no to your children in a positive way, you should read on. There are many different ways for us to express something.

For example, telling your child, “I can not play, I have other things to do,” is not the same as saying, “Help me save the bed, and then we can play.” As you can see, the message is much more positive if we make it another option.

Remember that parents constantly say no to children. If all they hear is “no no no” we may end up giving them a negative message.

So try to use balanced language. Tell them what is not possible, but also what is.

Say no to children without being negative

Surprisingly, you can tell your child not to do anything without saying the word “no”.

If we reformulate our answers, we can help them understand why something is not allowed or not possible.

This way , they learn to understand the reasons for your rules, making them much easier to follow.

All of this will eventually lead to more responsible behavior. Your child will be able to see the consequences of their actions.

As a result, they begin to make their own decisions, and their self-esteem will grow.

Saying “no” all the time, on the other hand, can mean that children stop paying attention. So save that word for when something is really important.

Use it for situations where children can put themselves in danger, such as crossing the road without holding their hand or leaning out of a window.

Use of positive language with children

When you change the language you use, you are not suddenly giving your child permission to do whatever they want.

In fact, it is the opposite: Your answer is the same, but it comes with an explanation that they can understand.

This does not mean never saying no to children. This means that you ensure that the word does not lose its meaning.

It is important for parents to apply discipline, enforce rules and build their children’s character. Saying no to children is an important part of this.

You do not have to do it with a specific word. Some alternatives you can use are:

• Suggest other things that the child could do. For example, if they can not walk in the park right now, then you can cook together, paint or watch television instead. Get your child excited about something they  are  capable of doing right now, even if it is not what they first asked for.
• Another thing to do in such a situation is to postpone their request until other tasks are completed. If your child wants to do something that is not possible here and now, tell them when they can do it. However, it is very important that you keep this promise later.

Suggest options

• If you see that your child is doing something they should not, then instead of saying no, try talking to them. For example, if a child wants to beat their brother or sister, explain what the result will be if they do. Let the child know that their actions have consequences.
• Discuss the rules with your child. It is important for them to know what the rules are, so when they have to say no, they understand why. Talk to them about the rules you have at home. They will start predicting your answer, and will know what is negotiable – and what is not. This way, your child will gain important social skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

Remember, saying no to children in a positive way will not just make everyday life easier. It will also help them understand why you do as you do and why it is important to listen.