Non-Traditional Parenting Strategies- Limit Choices

I had kiddos early compared to many of my peers, so it is not uncommon for me to be the purveyor of hard earned wisdom to buddies that have kids that are a couple years younger. I give a lot of traditional advice that you can find in any parenting book or through common culturally accepted practice. However, I thought it would be worth sharing some of my more less main stream go to parenting strategies.

So the next couple posts will list several parenting tips and strategies I have used successfully to improve my parenting.

Remember, before you read this, you like me and think I am a good father.

Limit choices

Kiddos suffer though analysis paralysis as much as if not more than adults. Giving your kids too many options can overwhelm them. I typically give around three options to my kids. 

"What do you want to do this morning? Bike to the park, work out in the basement, or cook brownies?"

"We need to clean up the room. What would you like to focus on? Picking up the legos, sweeping the floor, or putting the paint project away?"

"We need to make a decision on lunch. Do you want lasagna, sandwiches, or soup?"  

"It is bedtime. What do you want to start with? Brushing your teeth, changing your clothes, or going to the bathroom."

In choosing the options I offer, I usually try to meet three criteria. Specifically, I try to give them options that 1) the kiddos will like, 2) options that you can successfully engage, and 3) options I will like too. 

I am of the strong personal opinion that you as a parent should enjoy being around your kids. This is essential for you to have a good bond and for your children to see the genuine enjoyment of activities modeled through you. Constantly doing activities with your kids that make you want to claw your eyes out is not good for the long term relationship. Also it will teach your kiddos to yield to the same 'well intentioned' but ultimately unsustainable 'self sacrificing' decisions to others later in life. This will not help them advocating for themselves in future interpersonal relationships.