Letting our children make choices themselves is very important for their development. It fosters their independence and allows them to experience legitimate control. Their little worlds are mostly governed by the decisions of adults – parents, teachers, grandparents etc. Allowing them to experience some control is the start to learning the very important life skill that is decision making.
Having said all that allowing children free reign is not good for them or for you. They might never get dressed, eat a healthy meal or do their homework! You might never get out the door to work or school! So try to offer limited choices. Would you like carrots or broccoli? Do you want to wear your blue dress or the red one? The child has the power to make the decision but you can live with either option.
