Hey there! Have you ever tried eating broccoli? It’s one of those things that most kids don't like, but guess what? It’s actually really good for you. Rejection—when someone says “no” to us—can feel the same way. It’s not fun, but it can help us grow.
Now, sometimes talking to people or asking for something can feel really scary, like trying to eat a bowl of broccoli all by yourself! You might worry that someone will say “no,” and that might make you want to stay quiet. But we can’t stay quiet all the time, right?
Have you ever turned bright red just thinking about asking for something, like extra napkins at a restaurant? That’s called social anxiety, and it’s something that can make talking to others feel super hard. But here’s a cool secret: if you get used to hearing “no” once in a while, it can help you feel less scared. And, just like getting used to broccoli, it’s not as bad as it seems!
When kids hear “no,” it can feel like the end of the world. Didn’t get invited to a birthday party? Total disaster. Didn’t get that extra scoop of ice cream? Biggest problem ever! But here’s the truth—when someone says “no,” it’s just a way of saying, “Try again, but maybe do it differently next time,” or “This isn’t the right time to ask for a prize.”
So, how can we help you see that “no” isn’t the end of the world? Here’s what we can do:
1. **Start with small “nos.”** Let’s start by asking for simple things, like a free donut at the coffee shop. Whether they say “yes” or “no,” the point is to see that it’s not a big deal. The world keeps turning, and snack time is still on!
2. **Laugh it off.** If someone says “no,” don’t worry! Let’s have a giggle about it together. “Did you really just ask for something silly? That was awesome!” Laughing makes “no” a lot less scary.
3. **Celebrate the ask!** Whether you get a “yes” or “no,” let’s cheer for being brave enough to ask. It’s like doing a big splash in the pool—it’s the splash that counts, not how wet everyone gets.
4. **Take on bigger challenges.** As you get more comfortable, we’ll try asking for bigger things. Maybe you can ask a new friend to hang out, or answer a question in class. The more you practice, the less scary it gets.
5. **Let’s make a game of it!** We can turn rejection into a fun game. Whoever collects the most “nos” by the end of the week wins a prize—maybe an extra scoop of ice cream! Because, who wouldn’t want that?
With a little practice, and a lot of bravery, you’ll be ready to take on a “no.” And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll even start to like broccoli!
