It's All About the Choices

Calling all moms and teachers!

I am a HUGE advocate for giving kids choices. Choices for almost everything! It makes kids feel like they have a say in things, like their opinions matter. Kids want to be heard, just like adults, so when they don't feel like anyone is listening to them....they get upset, hence the fits that will likely occur when you are in a hurry and TELLING them to do this, this, and this. They don't like to feel like someone else is in control of their little world. Much like us. We like it when our boss or coworker asks us our opinion about something, right? We feel appreciated and like we matter! Those little kiddos like that feeling, too!

I have always been a firm believer in this because I have found it to be SO helpful in the classroom. When I started teaching, it was in 5th grade. Boy, do those 10 year old kids have opinions!! Some days, they just don't want to be at school at all! When I started giving them options for how they were going to learn, they really did start enjoying learning without even realizing it. It would be things as simple as, "What subject do you want to do first?" They would choose and then actually participate because it's what THEY wanted to do. They ALMOST didn't realize that they were still having to learn.

Once I realized how effective it was to give 10 years old choice, I made a mental note! I did the same thing when i moved to First Grade and still do it with my kindergartners now. The young the child/children the simpler the choices are. The older kids can handle more options than a younger kid. You don't want to overwhelm them. The whole point of giving a choice is to help diffuse/ease a situation. Keep it simple!

My 3 year old works so good for choices!

"What do you want to do first? Brush your teeth or change into your pajamas?"

"Do you want to wear flip flops or sneakers?"

"Do you want to read this book or that one?"

Of course it's easier to just tell her what to do or how to do it but she is SO stubborn and opinionated that when she gets something stuck in her head, that's how it's going to be! Choices have helped save my sanity over the last year! Keep in mind, choices are for optional things. There are no choices when it comes to safety! I will even say, "You have to sit down on the couch, it is NOT a choice." Mackenzie is very smart and knows that some things are dangerous but that doesn't stop her from trying to test the limits! Safety always comes first!

When I start to doubt my decisions (about anything) I often google to reassure myself. I found this in an article from Mother.ly

Six Benefits to Giving Choices

1. Avoid tantrums. Tantrums are often caused by a lack of control....

2. Build confidence. Decision-making is an important aspect of building confidence....

3. Cultivate a sense of value....

4. Teach responsibility....

5. Foster creativity....

6. Develop problem-solving skills...

Number one. Avoid tantrums. Y'all. This is my life now!