When the Answer Is No

My name is {{childName}}. I have lots of good ideas about things I would like to do or have. Sometimes I ask a grown-up, and the answer is 'yes.' Other times, the answer is 'no.' This is my story about hearing 'no.'

Grown-ups do not say 'no' to be unkind. They say it because something might not be safe, or it is not the right time, or it is too much for now. Even when I don't understand the reason, a grown-up is usually trying to help me.

Hearing 'no' can feel disappointing. I might feel cross or sad. Those feelings are okay. I can take a deep breath. The disappointed feeling gets smaller after a little while.

When I hear 'no,' I can try to stay calm and say 'okay.' Sometimes I can ask 'maybe later?' in a calm voice. Shouting or arguing usually does not change the answer, and staying calm helps me feel better.

Things will not always go the way I want, and that is part of life. I am learning that I can hear 'no' and still be okay.