The big ideaYou can say no thanks to a dare. A true friend listens.
How it works
A dare is when a friend says, 'I bet you cannot do it.'
You can say no thanks, calm and clear. You do not need a long reason.
A true friend listens. If a friend keeps pushing, you can tell a grown-up.
Four steps.
Example 1: Rex's dare
Rex says, 'I bet you cannot climb on the very top!'
Kit's tummy feels fizzy, and part of him wants to say yes.
But he knows the park rule, and he knows what feels okay for him.
Example 2: No thanks
Kit takes a slow breath, in and out, and thinks, 'My body is mine, and I get to choose.'
He says, 'No thanks, Rex,' standing tall, calm and clear.
He does not need to say sorry or give a long reason.
🌬️breathe✋no thanks😌calm
Calm and clear.
Example 3: Another game
Kit says, 'How about we play ball instead?'
Suggesting a different game can turn a dare into fun.
Rex says, 'Okay! Ball sounds great!', and Bun and Dot join in.
Example 4: If they keep asking
Kit can walk over to Bun and Dot and keep saying no.
If a friend keeps pushing, he can tell a grown-up.
A true friend listens when you say no, and does not push.
Words to know
dare
When a friend says, 'I bet you cannot do it.'
choose
To decide for yourself.
push
To keep asking and asking.
true friend
A friend who listens when you say no.
Watch out
Do not say yes just so friends will not laugh. You can say no thanks.
Do not call your friend names. Say no thanks, calmly.
Going along with the crowd is not a reason.
You do not need a long, nervous reason. No thanks is enough.
Try it
What can you say to a dare?
Do you need a long reason?
What can you suggest instead of a dare?
What can you do if a friend keeps pushing?
Answers: 1. no thanks · 2. no · 3. a different game · 4. tell a grown-up
Try at homeWith a grown-up, practise saying no thanks in a calm and clear voice, then think of a different game you could suggest instead.
For grown-upsPractice saying no thanks in a calm, clear voice together, and think of a different game your child could suggest; praise them for saying it, not only for how it turns out.
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