Let them Choose!
Yes, let them choose! Not always, not when you need to decide between two job offers that you got, but let them choose! Children love when they are asked to make choices. They feel they are noticed. They feel they are worthy. They feel that their words and opinions count. They feel important and responsible.
When you offer them choices, make sure you are ok with both options. For the younger ages I recommend giving 2 choices only and ask them to pick. For example, “Do you want to play with the dolls or build a puzzle?” “Do you want to wear the blue shirt or the yellow one?" Children that get the chance to choose by themselves are more likely to cooperate and stick with the activity.
Needless to say, that in matters of safety, we don’t let them choose. We HAVE TO put on the seat belt. We CAN’T run to the street.
We need to teach them to make wise choices now while they are young. That will help them to develop strategic thinking that will serve them throughout their lives.
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