Positive Approaches to Help Your Child Assume Responsibility Don't expect your preschooler to do something beyond her years. Preschoolers test limits. As they push toward independence, at one moment they may be willing and at the next moment resistant. Make it fun. If children are ordered to do a task, they recognize they are in a power struggle and increase their resistance because they perceive the outcome is a big deal to you.
Most children are more cooperative and enjoy working with a cheerful adult who makes the work fun.
Give real but limited choices. Because children are into power, testing and refusals may be less of a power struggle when you give children certain kinds of choices. The wording of the choice is important. When choice is not possible, state the fact. We're all going to the store.