Tune in A parenting cliche but an effective starting point; tune in to your child!
Reduce stuff Reasonable, not too limited but not too many options in wardrobe, toys and games, entertainment, food help reduce confusion. Remember, serving our children a buffet every day in every category will do more harm than good.
Understand & support Don ' t expect children to be thankful for their problem. Understand that grumpiness is due to too many choices. Help, support and‘ TRUST’ your child to deal with it constructively.
Set boundaries and routines Reasonable boundaries or rules and routines with room for flexibility are actually good for the child. They ease the pressures of needing to choose responses every time, in different situations.
Train Train the child gradually, to choose wisely, with simple choices( 2 or 3) for younger children. Then gradually add more options as the child grows in age, understanding & confidence to choose. Help her learn to
Issue 1 Explore JFM 2017
What parents can do to help ease choice overload for kids?
TRUST ©
Tune in A parenting cliche but an effective starting point; tune in to your child!
Reduce stuff Reasonable, not too limited but not too many options in wardrobe, toys and games, entertainment, food help reduce confusion. Remember, serving our children a buffet every day in every category will do more harm than good.
Understand & support Don ' t expect children to be thankful for their problem. Understand that grumpiness is due to too many choices. Help, support and‘ TRUST’ your child to deal with it constructively.
Set boundaries and routines Reasonable boundaries or rules and routines with room for flexibility are actually good for the child. They ease the pressures of needing to choose responses every time, in different situations.
Train Train the child gradually, to choose wisely, with simple choices( 2 or 3) for younger children. Then gradually add more options as the child grows in age, understanding & confidence to choose. Help her learn to
• cut down options by knowing her needs first,
• save the exercise of choosing for items and occasions she feels important and meaningful. Standardise day-to-day choices- don ' t be too choosy in these.
Finally,’ be the change you want to see in your child’. It is another cliche but crucial nevertheless, to good and effective parenting.
8