🤔Toddler Choices🤔
This is something I learnt whilst being a primary school teacher. Children LOVE to feel like they’re in charge and to make choices. As parents, it’s our job to guide them towards making the right choices and we can do this at bedtime!
If you find your little one battles to:
– get into the bath
– get out of the bath
– put their pyjamas on
– brush their teeth
– listen to a story
– get into bed
…give them TWO choices!
Now, hear me out! This isn’t about letting them get away without doing it because you, as the parent, will know that all of those things are important aspects of life!
But you could say:
– would you like to sit here or here in the bath today?
– Shall I get you out or would you like to climb out yourself?
– Red pyjamas or blue pyjamas?
– Shall I brush first, or you?
When they feel in control, they respond much better!
Curveball – if they provide an answer which wasn’t one of the choices (such as (in the words of my 3 year old) “None!”🤦🏽‍♀️), then very calmly say that that wasn’t an option and repeat the two choices again asking them which one they would like to choose. Remember, stay calm and don’t match their level!
Give it a try and let me know how you get on.❤️
