to help give your preschooler more independence? What decisions to you let them make or what areas to you help empower them in some way?

Rhyanne is allowed to make very simple choices. For example, she gets to choose whether we have green beans or broccoli for dinner. I will also allow her to make simple decisions about what she wears. Does she want this shirt or that shirt. Hope this helps!

Sara

let them help pick the clothes they wear...red or blue shirt type stuff
let them help you with simple house tasks...dusting with you, my 3 year old helps dust bust the floor while I sweep...
choose simple food options for what they want to eat or drink...

The key is giving them just two or three easy choices that all are acceptable to you and then let them pick from those...builds independence and decision making, but in a safe and easy to focus way!

We fight tooth brushing, so we have two fun toothbrushes...it helps us get them brushed if he gets to choose which one he can use! Let it help you make things easier, they like to feel BIG!

We have a block with all 4 kids name on it. Each day we turn the block, the kid on top is the "kid of the day" they get to make any "choices' we would let the kids make that day. Things like which seat they want in the van, if we rent a family movie they get to pick, if we are grabing fast food where we eat, if we are grocery shopping that kid get to pick the cereal, and just all kinds of little things. My kids are of different ages but it works well for all of them. Although I get to help the baby pick! ;)

Tammy

Agreed. Choices, choices, choices. Also I let him try to do things and tell him to come get me if he can't do it. Example: He wants a book off the 2nd shelf. Although I know he will not reach it. I let him (safety sized up first of course). Then encourage him for at least trying to get it. Things that will allow him to make decisions and figure tasks for himself are our way. Good luck! ~Kerri

The key is giving them just two or three easy choices that all are acceptable to you and then let them pick from those...builds independence and decision making, but in a safe and easy to focus way!

I agree with Breezy!...limited choices but choices none the less. I think if you give too many choices or too often, then the child will be running the show. It's hard to find the right amount for your family!

We too do 'safe choices'. "This or that" kind of stuff. During the week/day my littles can pick out whatever they want to wear, doesn't matter if it doesn't match, as long as it fits. But they generally match just fine. But if we're leaving the house I will narrow down choices.
And then just safe choices everywhere else...to make them feel big and that they do have some say in things.

We too do 'safe choices'. "This or that" kind of stuff. During the week/day my littles can pick out whatever they want to wear, doesn't matter if it doesn't match, as long as it fits. But they generally match just fine. But if we're leaving the house I will narrow down choices.
And then just safe choices everywhere else...to make them feel big and that they do have some say in things.

That's right Tara, it's not safe to go outside looking like a fashion disaster. [rotfl]

LOL

Ok, so 'safe' wasn't meant THAT way LOL

but 'mom approved' was more than I felt like typing...repeatedly

**still LOL**