This does not mean that the decision to act is time consuming. Sometimes action has to be swift for safety's sake. But impulsive decisions are most often ineffective. The first reaction is not always the best reaction. Responsive discipline emphasizes alternatives.
Responsive discipline means making choices.
The fewer choices we have, the less effective we are likely to be. The more choices or alternatives we have, then the more selective we can be to craft a response appropriate for the child and the circumstances. When our choices are limited, we may be left with no alternatives if our response is unsuccessful. Limited choices, put into action regardless of the situation, can can become a crude and ineffective strategy. Like a carpenter building a chair, the more tools we have, the more effective we can be in building the character of our children.