Giving Children Choices

Choice is important. It makes us feel like we have power and control over our lives and what we are doing. This doesn't just apply to adults -- children need choices, too! 

Making choices is a part of growing up and is an important skill for children to learn and use throughout their lives. This doesn’t mean that we let children make all of their own choices without guiding them. It means that we start by giving them choices that we can agree to and follow through with. These could be a choice between two activities or offering different snack options. 

By offering children opportunities to make choices and develop their own voice, we are building respect, cooperation, and helping them enhance problem-solving skills.

Want to know more? Check out this publication by Penn State Extension or this article with guidelines for giving children choices from Psychology Today.