Choice Giving with Children
Kitty Raadschelders
Introduction
Course Objectives
What skills or knowledge will be acquired? What will you be able to do at the end of the course?
1.
Learners will understand developmental theory related to the importance of giving choices and will be able to implement choices with their own children.
2.
Learners will be able to evaluate different scenarios in which choices can be used and identify what choices to offer.
3.
Learners will be able to analyze the connection between how choices support children and impact behavior.
Self-Reflection
Hi, I'm Kitty!
Why do we give children choices?
Exploring Early Childhood theory and the developmental reasoning behind choice giving
Maria Montessori (August 1870 - May 1952)
Montessori Believed Giving Children Choices...
- Helped develop their independence, self-discipline, and inner confidence.
- Respects the child's individuality and empowers them to take ownership of their lives.
- Provides freedom within limits that are set by adults.
An Italian physician and educator who developed the Montessori method which focuses on child-centered learning.
+ info
Erik Erikson (June 1902 - May 1994)
Erikson's Psychosocial Stages of Development
- There are 8 stages of psychosocial development from infancy to adulthood.
- At each stage, individuals face a conflict and successfully overcoming these conflicts help them develop certain virtues. Failure to overcome the conflict can make it harder to progress.
Infancy (0-1): Trust vs. Mistrust - HopeEarly Childhood (1-3): Autonomy vs. Shame/doubt- WillPlay Age (3-6): Initiative vs. guilt- PurposeSchool Age (7-11): Industry vs. Inferiority- Competence
A developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his work in human life and development.
+ info
Choice leads to Autonomy and Agency
Check-In
How to Give Choices
A step-by-step guide to choice giving
Steps of Choice Giving
- Offer Two Choices, Two Times
- If the child doesn't make a choice, make the choice for them.
- Stick with the routine, children will learn that if they don't make a choice, you will make it for them.
- If children make a choice after you have already made one, stick with your choice.
- Not everything is a choice
Let's see it in Action! (Excuse the messy house)
Self-Reflect
Take a minute to write down your reflections
- In watching the video, what are some things that stood out to you?
- How did giving a choice support the child?
Extra resource for more infoJanet Lansbury "Let Kid's Choose... Except when they can't"
Scenarios
Scenarios for Giving Choices
Giving children choices on a regular basis helps them build autonomy and develop their sense of will. However, it is also helpful to manage behaviors in various situations. Below are some examples.
Clean-Up Time
Getting Dressed
During a Transition
Children struggle with transitions because they feel out of control. Try this! Ex. Would you like to put your shoes on, or would you like me to do it?
Children want to express themselves through their clothes, just like us. Ex. It is cold out. Do you want to wear leggings with your dress or put pants on?
Clean-up time is almost always hard, but offering a choice can help. Ex. Would you like to clean the markers or the crayons?
Let's Apply It!
Your daughter is in a preschool that is open until 5. You normally pick her up after you pick up your son from school, which is around 3. She has been having a hard time at pickup, wanting to stay longer to play. However, on other days when you come later, she is upset because you took too long. You have errands to run after school and ask her, "Would you like me to pick you up at the same time and come to the store with us, or would you like to stay and play? She says she wants you to pick her up at the same time and go to the store. You double-check a couple of times to make sure. However, at pick-up time, she is upset again and doesn't want to go. She says, "I want to keep playing!"
Listen for an explanation after you make your choice.
Bringing it all Together
Conclusion
Course Feedback
Course Feedback
Hello Dr. Kitty- Instagram
Hello Dr. Kitty- Website
Thank you for taking the course!
Please check the above links for more helpful resources!
Choice Giving with Children
Kitty Sylvester
Created on October 30, 2025
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Customer Service Course
View
Dynamic Visual Course
View
Dynamic Learning Course
View
Akihabara Course
Explore all templates
Transcript
Choice Giving with Children
Kitty Raadschelders
Introduction
Course Objectives
What skills or knowledge will be acquired? What will you be able to do at the end of the course?
1.
Learners will understand developmental theory related to the importance of giving choices and will be able to implement choices with their own children.
2.
Learners will be able to evaluate different scenarios in which choices can be used and identify what choices to offer.
3.
Learners will be able to analyze the connection between how choices support children and impact behavior.
Self-Reflection
Hi, I'm Kitty!
Why do we give children choices?
Exploring Early Childhood theory and the developmental reasoning behind choice giving
Maria Montessori (August 1870 - May 1952)
Montessori Believed Giving Children Choices...
An Italian physician and educator who developed the Montessori method which focuses on child-centered learning.
+ info
Erik Erikson (June 1902 - May 1994)
Erikson's Psychosocial Stages of Development
- There are 8 stages of psychosocial development from infancy to adulthood.
- At each stage, individuals face a conflict and successfully overcoming these conflicts help them develop certain virtues. Failure to overcome the conflict can make it harder to progress.
Infancy (0-1): Trust vs. Mistrust - HopeEarly Childhood (1-3): Autonomy vs. Shame/doubt- WillPlay Age (3-6): Initiative vs. guilt- PurposeSchool Age (7-11): Industry vs. Inferiority- CompetenceA developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his work in human life and development.
+ info
Choice leads to Autonomy and Agency
Check-In
How to Give Choices
A step-by-step guide to choice giving
Steps of Choice Giving
Let's see it in Action! (Excuse the messy house)
Self-Reflect
Take a minute to write down your reflections
Extra resource for more infoJanet Lansbury "Let Kid's Choose... Except when they can't"
Scenarios
Scenarios for Giving Choices
Giving children choices on a regular basis helps them build autonomy and develop their sense of will. However, it is also helpful to manage behaviors in various situations. Below are some examples.
Clean-Up Time
Getting Dressed
During a Transition
Children struggle with transitions because they feel out of control. Try this! Ex. Would you like to put your shoes on, or would you like me to do it?
Children want to express themselves through their clothes, just like us. Ex. It is cold out. Do you want to wear leggings with your dress or put pants on?
Clean-up time is almost always hard, but offering a choice can help. Ex. Would you like to clean the markers or the crayons?
Let's Apply It!
Your daughter is in a preschool that is open until 5. You normally pick her up after you pick up your son from school, which is around 3. She has been having a hard time at pickup, wanting to stay longer to play. However, on other days when you come later, she is upset because you took too long. You have errands to run after school and ask her, "Would you like me to pick you up at the same time and come to the store with us, or would you like to stay and play? She says she wants you to pick her up at the same time and go to the store. You double-check a couple of times to make sure. However, at pick-up time, she is upset again and doesn't want to go. She says, "I want to keep playing!"
Listen for an explanation after you make your choice.
Bringing it all Together
Conclusion
Course Feedback
Course Feedback
Hello Dr. Kitty- Instagram
Hello Dr. Kitty- Website
Thank you for taking the course!
Please check the above links for more helpful resources!