Why Saying "No" to Kids Might Be Necessary and How to Do It

Why Saying "No" to Kids Might Be Necessary and How to Do It

Hi there. I'm an engineering dad studying for my kid. I kind of regret not going to med school, so I'm catching up on pediatrics these days. This is just my personal digital notepad.

Key Takeaways

• It's okay to say "no" to kids, especially in urgent situations.
• The meaning of "no" can differ culturally, impacting parenting advice.
• Balancing restrictions and positive encouragement is crucial for child development.

The video dives into the sensitive topic of saying "no" to kids and whether it really has a negative impact. Apparently, many parents feel guilty about saying "no" because they think it’s too negative. But the truth is, saying "no" is sometimes necessary, especially in urgent situations where a child might be in danger, like running towards something harmful.

It’s said that kids don’t fully understand risks, so they might engage in dangerous behaviors without realizing it. For instance, when a toddler is about to touch something hot, a quick "no" can prevent injury. Honestly, in those moments, parents often react instinctively because the situation is urgent.

The video also mentions cultural differences in how we perceive "no." In many parenting books, especially those translated from English, the focus is on not saying "no" to kids. However, this could lead to a misunderstanding because the English "no" conveys a different nuance than the Korean "안 돼". In English, "no" can focus more on rejection of a specific action rather than a general prohibition, which might be more effective in guiding behavior.

It’s interesting to learn that finding a balance between saying "no" and encouraging positive behavior is key. Kinda scary to think that too much negativity could lead kids to feel controlled or anxious. So, the takeaway is that an appropriate amount of "no" is necessary, but it should be paired with positive reinforcement to ensure kids don't just feel restricted.

Overall, the video emphasizes that parenting is not about strict rules but rather about finding a balance that allows children to learn and grow safely while still feeling loved and supported.

For more details, please refer to the original video.

Video Source: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=)Oy2qpgSfsBU