Knowing When To Say "No" and Tips For the Best Way To Say It

For as long as I can remember, I've been a "YES" person. Part of my problem is that I don't want to let others down and part of it is that I honestly think I can take on more responsibilities. From carpooling to co-chairing an event, I am eagerly on it and ready to please.

While I do manage to get it all done, I have to wonder sometimes if I am doing my best while doing it. Am I giving it 110% effort? Or am I preoccupied with the 57 other things I've committed to do?

Sometimes saying 'no' to candy is
much harder than it seems.

Another area where I really struggle is saying no to my children. As parents, we love our children with all our being and want to give them everything. However, we know that's not practical nor is it the right thing to do. But how do we let them down easily and help them understand why they can't have another stuffed animal or a piece of candy?

I've realized that it's necessary to say "no". More importantly, it's OK to say "no". But the big question is what is the best way to say no so that we don't feel guilty or we don't feel as if we are letting someone down?

I turned to the experts at P&Geveryday™ . Under the 'Health & Wellbeing' tab on the P&Geveryday™ site,

I found an incredibly helpful article on tips for how and when to say "no" titled "Learn When and How To Say 'No'".

The article offers suggestions for saying 'no' to 3 of the most important and frequently encountered people in our lives: our children, our friends, and our colleagues. As I mentioned, my kids get me all the time. I get roped into buying them unnecessary things, committing to sleepovers and play dates way too frequently, and making trips to the pool or the park when I know I should be doing something else. I just don't have the heart to say "no".

One of the biggest takeaways I have from this article is that every time you fail to say "no" you are setting a precedent for the future. If you are saying "yes" to sleepovers every weekend, your children will come to expect a sleepover every weekend. My failure to say "no" will only lead to disappointment for my children further down the road.

I often struggle with limiting computer time for my daughters.

My other weakness is colleagues. I say "yes" to every task someone asks me to do. You need a spreadsheet made, I'll do it. You need 100 copies of your presentation made. Yep. I'll do it. You need me to come in early and stay late tomorrow. I'll be there. It's not easy to turn down your boss. Will she remember it when my performance review comes around? Will she turn me down for a big promotion? 

Thankfully, P&Geveryday™ has given me suggestions for handling these situations in the most professional manner. I no longer fear saying 'no". I now have the courage to tackle this difficult task with confidence whether it's with my children, my friends, or my colleagues.

To find more helpful and friendly advice, be sure to visit P&Geveryday™ on the web. You can also find P&Geveryday on Facebook and on Twitter.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.