Examples of Choices

By Wayne Russell

Why offer choices? You can read more about offering choices here. 

Find below some examples of simple choices you can try offering your children. Have fun with it!

• Would you like string cheese or yogurt for your snack?
• Do you want to walk to the diaper changing table or hop like a bunny?
• Would you like to read the bear story or the dog story?
• Do you want to go potty in the front bathroom or the back bathroom?
• Do you want to have fun doing this or not have fun doing this?
• Do you want to eat your peas first or your carrots?
• Do you want to hold Daddy's hand and walk or sit in your stroller? Remember, they hold your hand, you don't hold their hand by tightly squeezing their hand or wrist.
• Would you like to wear the blue shirt or the red shirt? Do you want to put your shorts on first or your shirt on first? Our daughter sometimes fusses when we get her dressed, especially when we are in a rush to go somewhere. We offer lots of choices when we get her ready. Do you want to wear the pink bow or the white bow?  Do you want to brush your teeth first or brush your hair first?
• Do you want to put your coat on or do you want to carry it with you?90% of the time, our daughter will quickly put on her coat when she feels how cold it is outside.
• Do you want blueberries or strawberries in your oatmeal? She always chooses blueberries. Even if you know what your child will most likely choose, still have fun with offering choices and sharing control.
• Do you want me to pick up your toys or do you want to pick up your toys? If Daddy or Mommy end up having to pick up the toys, the toys go into "toy jail" for a few days. (Usually appropriate for 2 1/2 years olds and older.)
• Do you want to go to your room with your feet touching the ground or not touching the ground? Our daughter is very familiar with this one and usually chooses to walk by herself.

SHARE: What are some other simple choices that you offer your children?