Boundaries in Parenting | The Importance of “No” | Fox 35 Jada Jackson Family Counselor

By Published On: January 2nd, 20182.9 min read

“No” is Not Always a Bad Thing

Children grow up needing love and understanding as well as rules and boundaries. Being told ‘no’ at the right moments can be just as important to a child as being told “I love you” every day. Kids need to feel safe and secure in their environments which only happens when they genuinely recognize their parents as the true leaders of the family. Set boundaries and rules; set the structure and stability they need to grow up into a healthy, well-adjusted adult. A child who never hears the word ‘no’ and constantly gets away with whatever they want, can easily begin to feel insecure or unsettled at home. This instability often reveals itself through all sorts of problems, both emotional and physical.

Additionally, kids can often take advantage of parents and drain resources if rules are not enforced or they are not taught restraint. This is a habit that can develop into adulthood, leading to poor financial and life decisions that could have been avoided, had the child been told “no” earlier on.

Fox 35 Interviews Family Expert Jada Collins, MA, MS on Boundaries with Children

3 Tips for Drawing the Line

Sometimes drawing the line can be difficult, despite knowing how important it is. Here are a few tips to make saying “no” a little easier:

  1. Give the child a better option: instead of just leaving it at “I said no, and that’s it.” Or “You can’t do that.” Try offering an alternative option or behavior that is more acceptable to you. Swap candy, for an apple. No more TV, but instead you can read a favorite book or color in a coloring book. This also works for negative behaviors may be trying to extinguish. “You can’t bite your sister when you get mad, but you can grab your favorite toy and tell it how frustrated you are or draw a picture that shows how you feel.”
  2. Listen for the reasoning behind the question: sometimes he’s asking to watch TV because he’s bored, you might be able to satisfy the main problem without giving in to the request itself. Compromising, whenever possible, is not a bad thing and very easily accomplished when you listen to the child rather than shooting down the request immediately. “No, you can’t have candy now, but if you eat all of your dinner quickly, I’ll let you have some afterwards.”
  3. When possible, explain: Sometimes no simply means no, but it can help if the child understands the reasoning behind the response. This is especially true when the decision involves protecting the child’s safety or health. You don’t have to explain yourself every time, and sometimes it’s not wise to do so, but if it is at all possible, share your reasons behind saying no. It could lead to wiser choices on their part in the future and a new found respect for your decision.

If you or someone you know are struggling with boundaries or saying “No” to their children, please contact a family coach, counselor or therapist that may assist you during this complicated time.

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AUTHOR: Jada Jackson, MS, LMHC – Communicator, Coach & Licensed Mental Health Counselor working with couples, teens, young adults and women empowerment issues in Orlando and East Orlando Florida!  Jada Jackson can be reached at (407) 248-0030.

author avatar
Jada Jackson
National TV Host of Emotional Mojo | Jada Jackson, MS, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, is called by national TV News outlets and organizations to speak on a variety of topics effecting today's youth, young adults and couples. Jada is an Author, International Communicator, providing Counseling to Couples, Families, and Individuals. She is also a Self-Esteem Coach and Image Enhancement Specialist for Students, Models, and Professionals. As an international model and Commentator with Ebony Fashion Fair she quickly realized the effects of the modeling industry, not only on society, but also the self-image issues of models worldwide. Her experiences lead her to author Be-You-tiful to share her journey on obtaining her healthy self-image to help men and women find their true identity. Societies pressures on Body Image effects people in many different ways: depression, anxiety, self esteem, cutting, eating disorders, sexual promiscuity, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, relationship issues and more. Jada shares her experience, international success and passion to guide others into meaningful and purposeful living, Read more information on Jada Jackson on this site.

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Total Life Counseling Center consists of Licensed Counselors, masters level therapists, Español counselors, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, business coaches, and image enhancement coaches who provide counseling for emotional, mental, physical and spiritual care including marriage, individual, family, substance abuse and more. TLC’s family, trauma and marriage experts have been interviewed on National and Local TV/Radio over 200 times for their expert advice on Fox News, OWN, WETV, ABC’s Medical Minute and more. Our skilled counselors are relational, approachable and specialists providing therapy services in the Central Florida area including: OrlandoWinter ParkMetroWest, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, East OrlandoLake Mary, and Clermont, Boca Raton Florida, and Dallas, TX.

About the Author: Jada Jackson

National TV Host of Emotional Mojo | Jada Jackson, MS, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, is called by national TV News outlets and organizations to speak on a variety of topics effecting today's youth, young adults and couples. Jada is an Author, International Communicator, providing Counseling to Couples, Families, and Individuals. She is also a Self-Esteem Coach and Image Enhancement Specialist for Students, Models, and Professionals. As an international model and Commentator with Ebony Fashion Fair she quickly realized the effects of the modeling industry, not only on society, but also the self-image issues of models worldwide. Her experiences lead her to author Be-You-tiful to share her journey on obtaining her healthy self-image to help men and women find their true identity. Societies pressures on Body Image effects people in many different ways: depression, anxiety, self esteem, cutting, eating disorders, sexual promiscuity, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, relationship issues and more. Jada shares her experience, international success and passion to guide others into meaningful and purposeful living, Read more information on Jada Jackson on this site.

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author avatar
Jada Jackson
National TV Host of Emotional Mojo | Jada Jackson, MS, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, is called by national TV News outlets and organizations to speak on a variety of topics effecting today's youth, young adults and couples. Jada is an Author, International Communicator, providing Counseling to Couples, Families, and Individuals. She is also a Self-Esteem Coach and Image Enhancement Specialist for Students, Models, and Professionals. As an international model and Commentator with Ebony Fashion Fair she quickly realized the effects of the modeling industry, not only on society, but also the self-image issues of models worldwide. Her experiences lead her to author Be-You-tiful to share her journey on obtaining her healthy self-image to help men and women find their true identity. Societies pressures on Body Image effects people in many different ways: depression, anxiety, self esteem, cutting, eating disorders, sexual promiscuity, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, relationship issues and more. Jada shares her experience, international success and passion to guide others into meaningful and purposeful living, Read more information on Jada Jackson on this site.