When Kids Won’t Cooperate: Give Choices

December 12, 2022

When Kids Won’t Cooperate: Give Choices

 

 

Controlled choices allow children to feel a sense of control. We, as adults know, if we have a sense of control and make an active choice, we are more likely to follow through with the task. This is the same with children. Controlled choices can increase motivation to complete the task, reduce task refusal and increase task engagement and completion. 

 

Providing young children opportunities to use their voices, make decisions, develop ownership, and solve problems are great ways to bond with them too. 

 

Giving kids a say also: 

  • Builds respect and confidence. 
  • Develops problem-solving skills. 
  • Invites cooperation. 
  • Decreases problem behavior. 
  • Gives children a sense of worth and accomplishment. 

 

With controlled choices, children are given a limited set of options, any of which you are ok with them choosing. It allows the child to feel control over the activity and can increase motivation in completing the task. Giving children choices helps them feel like they have some control over their lives. 

 

 

Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.   

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