Yes, it’s ok to say ‘no’ to kids

Every parent’s heart breaks when they see their child disappointed. But coping with disappointment is an important lesson.

Whether you’re saying ‘no’ to a mobile phone or to clothes that aren’t age-appropriate or if your child didn’t get picked for a game or receive an invite to a birthday party, don’t shield them from life’s knocks.

“Disappointment’s inevitable. Dealing with it effectively is good for children,” says Imelda Graham, training coordinator with Barnardos, who urges against minimising disappointment, and pretending everything’s ok.