About this resource
Children sometimes do things they don't want to because they are afraid of losing a friend. Learning that a good friend respects 'no' protects children's wellbeing and safety. This activity teaches clear words and body language and when to tell a trusted adult.
Purpose
Children learn that it is okay to say no to a friend, how to say it strongly and kindly, and when to get help.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Counsellors and therapists. Also relevant for educators and school support staff, speech pathologists, youth workers.
Client or participant group: Children aged about 5 to 11, with a counsellor, teacher or parent.
Practice setting: Counselling, classrooms and home.
Suggested uses
- Individual play-based sessions
- Building a relationship with a child
- Talking about feelings without pressure
- Sharing ideas with parents or carers, with the child's agreement
Instructions for practitioners
- Talk about times it is okay to say no.
- Practise a strong, calm voice and body.
- Role-play with puppets.
- Make it clear that a good friend listens when you say no.
- Reinforce telling a trusted adult if someone keeps pushing, and follow your child safety procedures if needed.
Accessibility considerations
Big pictures and few words. Read it aloud, let the child draw or point, and use their own words for feelings. Print in colour if you can, or let the child colour it in.
Scope and limitations
A play-based activity that supports therapy. It is not a stand-alone treatment, a clinical assessment or a validated tool. Follow the child's lead, stop if they become distressed, and follow your child safety procedures if the child discloses harm.
Research basis
School-based social and emotional learning programs improve students' social skills, behaviour and academic results.
- Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The Impact of Enhancing Students’ Social and Emotional Learning: A Meta-Analysis of School-Based Universal Interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Illustrations and activities were created for Practitioner Plus; no third-party worksheet or image was used.
