Five Things Your Kids Should Know About Saying "NO"

By: Steve Farmer
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:21:53
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In today’s world kids are constantly bombarded with the idea they need to say no. Say no to drugs, no to alcohol. Say no to bad ideas from friends that do not have your best interest at heart. Say no to strangers. And on and on it goes. This idea is so common that we frequently forget that saying no does not come naturally to most people.

So, next time you are talking to your kids make sure they understand the three kinds of NO and how to say no effectively. By the way it probably is not a bad idea to review these things yourself so that the next time you say no, your kids not only get the message they get a role model. So here is what you need to tell your kids.

There are three kinds of no used by most people.

The “Maybe I can be convinced to change my mind NO”

If you are going to say NO, you must say it in a way that means NO!

Saying NO in a quiet, unassuming voice is like a hand shake with a wet noodle.

By saying NO in a non confident manner it will also make you feel as though you have got to convince the other person about your decision and the reasons why you have said it!

Be confident when you speak and know why you are answering the way you are.

The “Get out of my face and never come back NO”

This is at the other end of the spectrum in how to say NO.

It is done in an aggressive manner and usually said with contempt.

It is not an effective way to communicate your NO.

Here are a couple of examples:

“NO. I’m not doing that. You’ve got to be joking aren’t you?”

“NO. I wouldn’t lower myself to do that piece of work”

Be assertive but remember you are attempting to send a message not pick a fight.

The “Assertive I mean no - NO”

This is the best way to say NO!

In a firm, yet polite voice say:

“No. I will not be able to do that for you”

Also, if you want to say the reasons why, keep it short and sweet.

“No. I will not be able to do that for you. I will be having my guitar lesson at that time”

Beyond the word we use there are also other things that get your message across. Use effective body language. When saying NO, remember the power of non-verbal communications.

Look the person in the eye when you say the NO.

Shake your head at the same time as saying NO.

Stand up tall.

Use a firm tone in your voice.

When all is said and done you must be in control of the message you want to deliver. Don’t forget that when anyone asks a question of you, it is perfectly OK to say, “Can I think about that and get back to you”. No-one should be pressured into giving an immediate answer, even if the delay is only a couple of minutes. It will give you some time to think it through and to gather your thoughts. It will also give you some time to think about how you are going to say it, the words to use and your body language.

Now that we know how to do it, lets all get out there and “Just say NO!”

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Steve Farmer is a leader in the field of Personal Coaching. As a skilled professional coach, he brings the power of individual coaching to everyday living. Steve empowers individuals to follow their dreams, achieve more in their current careers, and maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives.

A busy entrepreneur himself, Steve understands the many demands and challenges facing today's families. He also knows that amidst the chaos, people sometimes need support in maintaining both their sanity and a balanced life. With his innate listening and problem-solving gifts, Steve helps individuals find solutions to their unique problems.

Learn more about Steve at his website =>http://www.innovations4life.com

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