Options and choices

Which would you rather...be told what to do or be given a choice of what to do?  If you are like most people, you would like to have a choice and children are no exception.  True, there are many times when we can't let our children do what they want but even then there are choices that can be made.  For example, say it's bedtime and your daughter doesn't want to go to bed.  First, you don't ask her if she wants to go to bed because there isn't another option.  But, you can still give her the choice of wearing the Sponge Bob jammies or the Princess jammies.   Or, if you all have to go to Great Aunt Lavinia's house, let your children choose what activities and books to bring to keep them from absolute boredom :)   Your toddler wants to get dressed all by himself?  Pick out 2 or 3 shirts and pants and let him choose between them.

If you think about it, you can use this technique almost anywhere and anytime.  Give your children options wherever possible but make those options ones that you are comfortable with.  When you do this,  you are helping your children learn decision making skills and letting them feel in control of their world.