Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Let's Chat about Choices


"Honey, you wanna drive Mommy's Lexus?"

Now, that's a ridiculous question to a youngster! However, I often hear well-meaning parents, grandparents, and childcare providers offer a child a choice that's just as inappropriate. It may be not driving a car, but it is something like, "Do you want to buckle your seatbelt?" or "Do you want to go to bed now?" There are times in behavior management when you must be directive rather than giving a kid a choice.

Offering a choice can be an effective discipline technique. Just make sure the choice is:
* SAFE -- to a child's age and ability,
* SIMPLE -- a choice of two or three options only, and
* SATISFYING to you -- either decision is acceptable.

The underlying message when offering a choice is, "I'm giving you opportunity to use your self-control, self-esteem and independence." Now that's good discipline!


So what do you think? Leave your comment for me and others now.


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www.toginet.com/shows/theparentsplate.

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