Trauma and Resilience

“No” in Translation

“No” In Translation is an effective and handy strategy to use in many situations in the home and in school. The video explains the strategy and how it is used. The activity and downloadable template will reinforce the concept and guide the strategy development for youth across environments.

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Learn how words such as “no” and “stop” can trigger unsafe actions and how to modify language to prevent escalating difficult situations.

Video: “No” in Translation


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Activities

Consider the following unsuccessful interactions and the alternative approach that could help result in a more positive outcome. Click to flip cards.

Serena screams and throws anything she gets her hands on when she needs to wait. She is told, “No you cannot”, “No, not now”, “Stop doing that”.

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Instead say: “Your turn will be next”, “Yes, in five minutes”, “First do this ___available activity____, then we can do this ___desired activity____” .

Marcus will destroy items in his reach when he is told he cannot immediately have his preferred item. Currently staff will say, “No, that is not yours”, “Stop, that does not belong to you", “No, Marcus!”

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Instead try one of these: “Let’s ask Sam if you can play with his ___ preferred item___”. “First you can play with ___available item___, then you can play with the ___available item___”, “Yes Marcus, in 10 minutes you and I can play with the ___preferred item___”

Robert becomes very agitated and will attempt to hit anyone within striking range when he is told “no” for any reason.

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Instead try one of these: “You have a choice of these things you can do now”, “Yes you can do ___desired item or activity___ after you do ___available item or activity___", “I can help you with that in 10 minutes”.

Sheila has difficulty leaving a preferred activity and will flop to the floor and scream when told she needs to transition. The teacher generally will approach her and say, “Sheila, you need to stop now”.

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Try these ideas: Set a timer for 10 minutes and say, “In 10 minutes it will be time for ___new activity___”, Show Sheila a visual First-Then schedule with pictures of the activities and say, “First ___current activity___, then ___next activity___”.

Downloads

“No” In Translation Template

Use the “No” In Translation Template to help the team identify alternative language to "no" and "stop".

Download “No” In Translation Template