Printable Scholar

When the Answer Is No
A social story about hearing no from a grown-up and coping with the disappointment

Ages 4-812 pagesBig Feelings and Flexible Thinking

A calm, first-person story about hearing no from a grown-up and coping with the disappointment. Read it together on screen below, one page at a time, or print it as a book.

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When the Answer Is No social story cover

Read the story

Read one page at a time. Let the child point at the pictures and say what is happening.

When the Answer Is No page 1
Page 1Sometimes I ask for something. I might ask to play outside, or for a snack.
When the Answer Is No page 2
Page 2Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes the answer is no.
When the Answer Is No page 3
Page 3Grown-ups say no for lots of reasons. It might not be safe, or it might not be the right time.
When the Answer Is No page 4
Page 4When the answer is no, I might feel mad or sad. That is okay.
When the Answer Is No page 5
Page 5I might want to cry. Crying is okay too.
When the Answer Is No page 6
Page 6I can take a deep breath. I can say: I feel sad about that.
When the Answer Is No page 7
Page 7I can ask: Can I have it later? Sometimes later is a yes.
When the Answer Is No page 8
Page 8I can choose something else to do. Drawing or a puzzle might help me feel better.
When the Answer Is No page 9
Page 9At school, my teacher might say no to blocks right now. It might be time for reading.
When the Answer Is No page 10
Page 10I can feel disappointed and still do the next thing.
When the Answer Is No page 11
Page 11My grown-ups still care about me when they say no.
When the Answer Is No page 12
Page 12Hearing no can be hard. I know what to do when the answer is no.
Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack cover

Print this story: Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack

  • When the Answer Is No, plus When I Feel Upset, When I Make a Mistake, Asking for Help, Sharing With Friends and When Plans Change
  • Every story as a full-page book (US Letter and A4), a half-page booklet and a one-page summary
  • A how-to-use page
Get the 6 stories for $7All 12 stories for $12
One-time purchase. Instant download. Secure checkout by Stripe. Two stories are free: Fire Drill and Staying With My Class.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use this social story?
Read it on a calm day before the situation comes up, then again just before it happens. Many children like to hear it every day for a week or two. Point at the pictures and ask what the child would do.
What age is it for?
Children of about 4 to 8, in preschool, kindergarten, first and second grade, at home or school, including autistic children and children in special education or speech therapy.
Can I print it?
Yes. The printable book, half-page booklet and one-page summary are in the Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack (6 stories, $7), or in both packs together (12 stories, $12).