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

Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Psychologist Walsh (Why Do They Act That Way?), president and founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family, tackles a tough subject in this book on how parents can say "no" to their kids and why they should. Walsh argues that we are raising our children in a "Yes" culture that gives kids the message that they can and should have whatever they want whenever they want it. But scientific research, the author contends, reveals that children's brains are primed to learn the concept of "no" early on; in fact, Walsh points out, instant gratification is not the path to resiliency or success. On the contrary, our "yes" culture leads to disappointment and failure when kids later learn that they can't always have their way. Walsh's approach fosters such qualities as perseverance, patience and commitment, emphasizing a balanced parenting style that is neither predominantly negative nor permissive. In age-by-age chapters, he chronicles the developmentally appropriate use of the word, revealing how it helps children grow into self-disciplined, well-adjusted adults. Peppered with anecdotes of other parents' struggles as well as examples from raising his own three kids, Walsh's reassuring voice will give parents the courage to just say "No"—and mean it.
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Quotes for No

Dr. Dave Walsh is the kind of guy you wish lived down the block (or, perhaps, down the hall), so you could have ready access to his wise, compassionate advice. Having this book by your bedside is a close second. His clear, thoughtful, real-world suggestions for how parents can best set loving limits will forever change the way you think about discipline and will make a significant, positive difference in your family's quality of life.

--Ann Pleshette Murphy, Good Morning America's parenting expert and author of The 7 Stages of Motherhood: Loving Your Life Without Losing Your Mind.

"Dr. Walsh's new book arrives in the Land of Immediate Gratification just in time. In it, he discusses discipline and self-restraint from neurological, developmental, familial, and cultural points of view. Walsh is an excellent scientist and cultural observer who gives sage, sensitive, and practical advice. No should be required reading for every parent who walks out of a hospital with a newborn."

---Mary Pipher, author of Reviving Ophelia.

"A comprehensive guide, it is not just about how to say No, but gives sound, practical advice that will help parents raise considerate, motivated children who will succeed in school, jobs, and life. The chapter on self-esteem alone is worth the price of the book. No will help today's parents avoid raising the next Generation Me."

--Jean Twenge, PhD, professor of psychology, San Diego State University, author of Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled -- and More Miserable Than Ever Before