According to Brené Brown, choice theory will help parents to deal with the sometimes disruptive behaviour of children, especially smaller ones. What the theory involves is offering kids a choice of what they most want so that they have some agency over their actions, but they also face the consequences of them. So, if a toddler was having a tantrum, for instance, the parent might offer a choice of carrying on but foregoing some treat later on or stopping and being able to enjoy said treat down the line. Crucially, the child must make the decision as to how to proceed, and the parent must be committed to the outcome. Giving in later would undermine the theory, according to Brown. Furthermore, Brown suggests that by showing clear boundaries to children, in this way, kids learn how to set and stick to their own boundaries for themselves.
Sign up today and join our authentic community!