Kids are exposed to negative influences and peer pressure on a daily basis. Saying “no” to risky situations can be difficult for youth. Situations such as saying “no” to drugs or alcohol or saying “no” to texting while driving or cheating during an exam or doing something dangerous or breaking the law. There are so many choices kids have to make.

Encourage your child to develop and practice methods of saying “No”. Remind them to speak in a clear and firm manner and use confident body language to convey the message.

Here are several ways they can get out of undesirable situations and say “NO” in a more subtle way.

• Switching topics (No, but hey did you see what happened in the game last night?)
• Excuse (I can’t. I have to meet a friend in 10 minutes.)
• Blame (I have a stomachache  or that stuff makes me feel horrible.)
• State the facts (No thanks- I’ve read about what drugs do to your body.)
• Give a friend a compliment that might make them think twice about their own risky decision (You’re so smart. Don’t risk hurting yourself.)
• or, Just say “No”