No. Why Kids-of All Ages-Need It and Ways Parents Can Say It
David Walsh, Ph.D.

Of course, parents should not always deny their children's wishes. Skillful parenting means saying no when we ought to. Part of loving, caring for, and guiding our kids is helping them harness their powerful urges, wants, and desires. Otherwise their out-of-control emotions can overrun and control them rather than the other way around. Kids need the coping skills and the perspective they can only learn from the well-place No. That's as true for the honor roll student as it is for the troubled teen.

Saying no isn't just using tough love or treating your child harshly in order to help him or her in the long run. In fact, saying no in the wrong way or in the wrong situation is just as bad as not saying it enough. It's important to know when and how to use No so that instead of stunting your children's growth, No helps them bloom and become more vigorous, strong, and productive.