No, Thank You!
Here's What To Do
Hold out a toy and say, “Would you like this?” Encourage your child to shake their head to say no. Respond, “Oh! You don’t want this. That’s okay!”
Try offering another toy and watch their response. If they shake their head, acknowledge it: “I see you shaking your head. That means no, thank you!”
Practice saying no with your child. Model polite ways to say no. Try, “You can shake your head, or say, ‘No, thank you. When you don’t want something’” Let your child choose how they respond.
Let your child offer you a toy. Shake your head to say no and smile while saying, “No, thank you.” This helps reinforce the skill in a playful way.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Put away all distractions and take two deep breaths.
Engage:
- “What can you do if someone gives you something you don’t want?”
- “How does it feel when someone listens when you say no?”
Encourage:
- “You are great at telling me what you want and don’t want!”
- “It’s okay to say no! I love how you let me know with your head shake.”
Reflect:
- “How did it feel to tell me no in a kind way?”
Not quite ready?
If shaking their head is tricky, gently guide them by demonstrating it first and using clear, simple language.
Ready for more?
Practice in daily routines! During snack time, offer a food they don’t like and let them shake their head to say no.
As your child masters this skill...
Use gestures and words to confidently express their choices in different situations.