The Story
Princess Nola had a very special word.
It was a tiny word.
Only two letters.
But Princess Nola used it for almost everything.
“Nola, please get ready for breakfast.”
“NO!”
“Nola, please brush your teeth.”
“NO!”
“Nola, would you like to wear your blue dress?”
“NO!”
“What about the yellow one?”
“NO!”
Even when her parents asked a question she actually liked, Nola sometimes said no simply because she could.
One morning, the palace cook brought her favourite pancakes.
“Princess Nola, your pancakes are ready!”
Nola looked at them.
They had strawberries.
“NO!”
They had honey.
They even had a tiny smiley face made from blueberries.
The cook blinked.
“But Princess, these are your favourite.”
“I know.”
“So… why no?”
Nola shrugged.
“Because I like saying no.”
That afternoon, something important happened.
The king and queen were preparing for a special garden celebration.
There would be music, games, food, flowers, and plenty of children.
Queen Mother asked Nola to help arrange some flowers.
“Nola, please put these flowers in the basket.”
“NO!”
“Would you help me carry these cushions?”
“NO!”
“Can you please stay away from the pond while the workers prepare the garden?”
“NO!”
Nola marched away.
She wanted to do things her own way.
But soon she discovered something.
When everyone has to stop and argue about every little instruction, very little gets done.
The flowers were still on the ground.
The cushions were still outside.
And the celebration was getting closer.
Then Nola saw a little boy carrying a basket of flowers.
“Why are you helping?” she asked.
“Because everyone is working together,” he replied.
Nola looked around.
Everyone was busy.
Everyone except her.
Just then, she heard her mother call.
“Nola, please come here.”
Nola opened her mouth.
Her favourite word was ready.
“NO…”
She stopped.
She remembered the busy garden.
She remembered the boy carrying flowers.
She remembered how frustrating it was when nobody cooperated.
Nola took a breath.
“Yes, Mummy.”
Her mother smiled.
“Thank you, Nola.”
Nola helped arrange the flowers.
Then she carried the cushions.
She helped prepare the tables.
And when the celebration finally began, Nola looked at the beautiful garden and smiled.
“I helped make this happen!”
Her mother nodded.
“Yes, you did.”
Nola thought about her little word.
She still knew how to say “no.”
And she learned that sometimes saying no is important.
But she also learned that saying no simply because she did not want to listen could keep her from helping, learning, and enjoying something wonderful.
From that day forward, Princess Nola became known for something new.
Not for saying “NO” to everything…
but for knowing when to say “Yes, I will.”
And always remember Jesus Loves You.
What We Can Learn
Princess Nola learned that obedience and cooperation are important parts of growing in character.
We do not have to agree with everything we are told, and there are times when saying no is the right thing to do. But when a parent gives a good and appropriate instruction, refusing simply because we do not feel like obeying can create unnecessary problems.
Learning to listen, cooperate, and respond appropriately helps us become more responsible and considerate of others.
A Teaching Point for Parents
Sometimes what looks like stubbornness is a child’s desire for independence. Children are learning that they have choices, and part of parenting is teaching them how to use those choices wisely.
Instead of turning every instruction into a battle, give children appropriate choices where possible. For example: “Would you like to brush your teeth before putting on your pajamas or after?”
At the same time, make clear that some instructions are not optional, especially when they involve safety, respect, or responsibility.
The goal is not to raise children who blindly obey every voice. It is to raise children who learn to recognize good instruction, respond appropriately, and develop wisdom and self-control.
Scripture to Remember
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Obedience is one way children can honor God as they respond to the guidance of their parents.
Bedtime Prayer
Dear God, Thank You for giving me parents and people who guide me. Please help me to listen carefully and obey good instructions. Give me wisdom to know when to speak up and when I need to listen and cooperate. Help me to grow in self-control, wisdom, and respect.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Talk About It
- What word did Princess Nola love saying?
- Why did she keep saying “NO”?
- What happened when she refused to help?
- What made Nola change her attitude?
- Why is cooperation important?
- Can you think of a time when listening and obeying helped you?
One Little Thing to Remember
Not every instruction is a battle. Listen, think, and choose what is right.
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God’s Word, Foundation for Shaping Tomorrow
