Overheard in Occupational Therapy: Giving controlled choices to cut down on tantrums and power struggles.
When your child needs to complete a task, offering a couple of limited choices for how the task can be done is great at preventing argument and negotiation, and is empowering to your child to feel like they have some control over what they do. It’s an important step in growing up and helping them make good decisions for themselves–just make sure you are completely willing to support and comply with either choice you offer!
“When I let a child choose between two options, they feel like they have some control, or a voice, and are more likely to participate in the activity. This strategy often eases resistance, and helps avoid power struggles between an adult and a child,” said Liz David-Bowman, a pediatric occupational therapist with RSI.
Examples of controlled choices:
Would you like to use markers or crayons to finish your homework?
Would you like to clean up now, or clean up in 5 minutes?
Do you want to bring a blanket or a stuffed animal to bed with you right now?
Would you like to eat peas or carrots with your lunch today?
To schedule a free screening with a pediatric occupational therapist, give us a call! Rexburg: 208-359-9570 * Rigby: 208-228-0625 * Ashton/Island Park 208-652-7963.