Dear Adina,
I have a 2 1/2 year old, and she is very independent and strong willed. Giving her choices seems to help her to comply with my directions better. What are more good ways to get the child to follow through with your directions? For example directions to eat meals, pick up toys etc.?
Thanks so much for your question.
Strong willed and independent kids, do not respond well to direct commands so I am glad to hear that choices are working for you and your child. It is best then if you give your child choices for almost anything, including meal time and when you are cleaning up toys.
At meal time you can say:
Would you like cereal or eggs for breakfast?
Which choice of vegetable would you like carrots or green beans?
Do you want to use a booster seat or seat right on the chair?
When picking up toys you can say:
Would you like to clean your dolls or the lego?
Would you like to pick up 5 or 10 toys?
Would you like to clean up now or in 5 minutes?
Choices helps kids feel in charge and in control. They are more apt to comply when they feel like they have a say in what they need to do.
There are times when children cannot have a choice. At those times you can say, “I like to make sure that you make a lot of your own decisions. Like, what kind of food you eat and when and how you clean up your toys. There are times when a parent needs to make the decision for their kids. This is one of those times. We need to go to the dentist now.”
Let me know how it goes…
Good Luck!
Adina
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