How to Teach Kids that Saying ‘No’ is Necessary at Times

“It’s only by saying no that you can concentrate on the things that are really important.”-Steve Jobs

Yes and no are the two most common opinion intensifiers used in the English vocabulary. Most probably, these two are some of the primitive communicative signs as well that have survived the dramatic evolution of language over time. In any language, you can find these two words spelled, or pronounced differently. Generally, a yes is said to express our agreement with a particular notion, suggestion, proposal, etc. On the flip side, no is a word used to seal a firm disagreement or rejection over any suggestion, plan, or opinion. Though conventionally, ‘no’ is regarded as an absolute negative term, sometimes, it can pave the very way to the most favorable choices as well.

We, at JP International School, believe that if you cannot say ‘no’ to the things you do not wish to have, you can never say yes to the things you really want in your life. But, more often than not, pre-existing social prejudices preach the young minds to eschew uttering an absolute negative word such as ‘no’ which can ultimately be detrimental for the future of the children. Modern studies have revealed that people saying a quick no to things that they deem unfit or inappropriate are the happiest and the most successful ones. And this makes it absolutely necessary to teach young minds about the power of saying no whenever necessary. So, here in this article below, we will be discussing how you can teach your kids to say no without hesitating and hurting others’ emotions.

‘No’ is not negative

The very first idea that you need to instill in your kid’s mind about the tabooed word ‘no’ is that it does not belong to a negative statement. The word no is just a way to express your dissent over something. There is no need to add colors of rudeness or harshness to this simple word. If yes is an easy-to-speak word, so is no. There must not be any moral quandary emerging in the mind while saying a no straight-on face. A no is as perfect as a yes depending on the speaker’s agreement or disagreement to the notion to which he/she is declaring an acceptance or rejection.

Teach to say no boldly yet politely

Though it sounds a little paradoxical to be bold and polite at the same time, when you give it a thought, you will see that there exists no inconsistency between the two approaches. Boldness is more related to conviction, while politeness is the attitude with which the words get spoken. Hence, any expression can boast a balance between these two approaches at any time. If your child wishes to say no, teach them to tell the truth and stick to their feelings rather than bothering about what the other person will think. Also, teach them to utter the word as humbly as possible. It is often the way the words are spoken that define the very nature of it.

Saying no must have a reason

Having the liberty to say no must not offer the kids an idea that they can say no to anything any time without having a firm reason backing the same. Tell them to be ready with a logical explanation whenever they say no to anything. Saying no is undoubtedly a right that any individual is free to enjoy, but make it clear to them that with rights, comes responsibility. Hence, teach your kids to take responsibility for every word spoken, and they will never misuse whatever liberty they are granted.

At JP International School, a Top Ranked International School in Greater Noida, we believe that being able to say ‘No’ is an important aspect of the freedom of speech that every individual has. It is hence important that children know when to say no and how to go about saying it. This is one way to ensure that kids do not get forcefully pursued to do something against their free will. When the kids learn to say no as and when needed, it empowers them to grow into individuals of firm conviction, likes, and dislikes. And this is surely the foundation stone for a bright personal and professional life ahead.

- JP International School