| Nothing is harder than facing teenagers and having to | | | | work and will most likely lead to greater problems. Be |
| say no to a variety of things. As parents, however, we | | | | willing to give your teenagers justified reasons why |
| all know we have to. We sometimes have to say no | | | | you are saying no. Also be willing to consider changing |
| to going out with friends and occasional trips. This can | | | | that no to yes if they can provide decisive and true |
| lead to problems with our teenagers and the feelings | | | | arguments to counter act your reasons. It's good |
| of guilt that it is our fault for saying no. The important | | | | preparation for when they finally become adults. |
| thing still remains that, even though they are teenagers, | | | | Be consistent |
| they still need our guidance. If you are looking for some | | | | If you say no for something once and nothing has |
| ways to be able to say no and not have the guilt, here | | | | changed, make sure to say no every time. Or say yes |
| are a few ways. | | | | every time. Being consistent is one of the key factors |
| Define boundaries and/or negotiate them | | | | in parenting that remains, no matter how young or old |
| If you are dealing with older teenagers, there is a great | | | | your child is. Remember to stick to the rules that |
| way to be able to say no and not feel the guilt. Sit | | | | you've made. You can't expect your teenager to |
| down with your teenager and define the rules of the | | | | follow them if you don't or aren't willing to consistently |
| house and any outings. Be willing to listen and hear | | | | back them up. The best way to feel guilty about |
| your teenager's side of the story and their arguments. | | | | saying no is when you've said yes in the past to the |
| They are old enough at this point to think things through | | | | exact same thing. |
| and be able to present you with justified and legitimate | | | | Parenting is not an easy job but it can be immensely |
| reasons for what they are asking. Negotiate the rules. | | | | pleasing. Each stage in our children's development |
| Then, when something comes up that requires you to | | | | brings new challenges. Remember these key points |
| say no, you don't need to worry about the guilt | | | | and you won't have to worry about feeling guilty the |
| because the boundaries were defined by both parties | | | | next time you have to say no to your teen. Define the |
| and agreed to each of the rules. | | | | rules or boundaries, don't say no without a reason and |
| Don't say no without a reason | | | | be willing to discuss the reason, and be consistent. |
| Teenagers are not your little children anymore. They | | | | Keeping these points in mind and putting them into |
| are almost adults and can reason like them. Saying no | | | | practice is a good way to form a peaceful |
| with the reason of 'because I said so' will no longer | | | | co-existence with your child during their teenage years. |