You may be familiar with the concept of giving your child a set of predetermined choices in order to give them the chance to make their own decision. Maybe you’d like to give your child more choices but you’re not sure where to start. In this blog post, we’ll share a handful of choices that parents can give their children.
Why Give Children a Choice?
Giving children a choice between two options lets them practice decision making within a safe boundary. It also gives them a chance to let their voices be heard. Both of these things are important for kids. Learn more about the benefits of giving children choices.
What Choices Can I Give?
If you want to start giving your little one more choices but aren’t sure where to begin, we can help. We’ve put together a list of different scenarios that might be appropriate for presenting your child with two or more options. Remember, every family is different. So some of these ideas might not work for your family, and there are likely other situations that will.
- Would you like to use crayons or markers today?
- Would you like the blue plate or the red plate?
- Do you want to play with trucks or blocks?
- Would you like to walk or skip?
- Do you want ice or no ice?
- Would you like to sleep with your blanket or no blanket?
- Do you want ketchup or no ketchup?
- Do you want to wear the striped shirt or the polka dot shirt?
- Do you want an apple or a banana?
- Do you want sprinkles or no sprinkles?
- Do you want to brush your hair or brush your teeth first?
- Do you want to eat a snack before or after we play outside?
- Would you like your sandwich cut in rectangles or triangles?
It’s not always possible to give kids a choice, and that’s OK. As their parent, you know what’s best for them. But when you are able to give them a choice, try it out! See how it fosters their confidence and willing participation.