How to say no to your kids

As a mom of three children, I know that parenting is a difficult job. One of the hardest parts is figuring out how to say no to your kids.

“Parents feel really guilty when they say ‘no’ because they don’t want to see their kids unhappy,” said Susan Newman, a social psychologist and author of “The Book of NO.” But you’re not doing your kids — or yourself — any favors by always saying “yes.” “By giving them everything they want when they want it, you’re giving them the license to come back to you and ask for more,” she said.

“When you say ‘no’ to your child, you’re teaching them how to cope with disappointment,” said Newman. You’re also teaching them the value of money and the importance of making choices. “You don’t want your child to think everything comes easily and money is no object,” she said. “The real world doesn’t work that way.”

If your children are used to hearing “yes,” they’ll be in for a rude awakening when they enter the real world. Plus, it doesn’t help your financial picture if you’re buying your kids things you can’t afford. So, here’s how to say “no” to your kids, improve your parenting skills and even head off some meltdowns.

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