Guidelines for Sharing Control Through Choices
By Jim Fay- Never give a choice on an issue that might cause a problem for you or for anyone else.
- For each choice, give only two options, each of which will be OK with you.
- If the child doesn't decide in ten seconds, decide for him or her.
- Only give choices that fit with your value system.
Some Love and Logic Examples of Little Choices
- Would you like to wear your coat or carry it?
- Are you going to clean the garage or mow the lawn this week?
- Will you have these chores done tomorrow? Or do you need an extra day to get them finished?
- Are you having peas or carrots as your vegetable tonight?
- Are you going to bed now? Or would you like to wait 15 minutes?
- Can you stay with us and stop that, or do you need to leave for a while and come back when you are sweet?
- Are you going to put your pajamas on first or brush your teeth first?
- Will you be home at 10:00? Or do you need an extra half hour with your friends?
- Are you guys going to stop bickering? Or would you rather pay me for having to hear it?
©1998 Jim Fay
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