The Power of Choice as a Creative Guidance Tool

There are several options available when it comes to guiding and disciplining a child.  All of these techniques – as well as others you choose to use, should have a system in place that guides, instead of punishes.  You also want to focus on reinforcing good behavior, while at the same time building a nice rapport with the child.  This lets the child know that you are not just looking at their bad behavior, but you are also excited for all the good things they do.

Some excellent tools and techniques you can use for guidance and discipline of a child are:

-         Reinforce good behavior

-         Set limits

-         Redirect

-         Offer choices

-         Divert attention

Let’s look at “offering choices” in more depth.  While all of these techniques will help produce better behavior, offering choices to a child is truly groundbreaking, especially for the child.

Do you remember when you were a child?  The constant knowledge that most of your choices were being made for you by adults was overwhelming at some point.  There was always a time – in any of our lives, which we longed to make a decision for ourselves.  Of course when you are that young you don’t know any better, but imagine if your teacher had offered some choices to you, instead of just demanding and telling you what needed to be done.  Don’t you think you would have been much more inclined to accomplish schoolwork and other tasks that your teacher had put before you?  The same goes for children today.  If you offer choices to a child, imagine how that might make them feel.  It gives them a sense of having control, as well as allowing them to feel more responsible.

The choices you offer them really won’t matter.  The fact will remain that you offered them choices.  This will go a long way in the mind of the child.  They will feel like what they think matters, and they will also feel respected.   You in turn will be on your way to building a great relationship with them.

These – as well as other techniques you may read about or discover will go a long way to a better learning experience for the child, and a better teaching/care giving environment for you.