Love and Logic® Parenting is a parenting philosophy that focuses on allowing children to grow through their mistakes and learn from the consequences of their choices. Have you ever found yourself in a power struggle with your child? If so, you may find some of the techniques of Love and Logic® valuable. One way to decrease power struggles is to provide choices with limits (one of the techniques taught by Love and Logic® based parenting). Choices provide a sense of shared power and lead to increased confidence in making decisions. Some brief tips on how to provide choices with limits includes:
•   Provide only two choices.
o DO- do you want to use the blue cup or the red cup?
o DON’T- do you want to use the yellow cup, the pink cup, the glass cup, or the plastic cup?
•   Use close ended choices.
o DO- do you want to sit by your sister or your brother?
o DON’T- where do you want to sit?
•   Use choices in a non-threatening way.
o DO- do you want to do math or reading homework first?
o DON’T- Do you want to do your homework or go to time-out?
•   Keep choices in line with the child’s age and developmental level.
o DO- do you want to have carrots or apples for a snack?
o DON’T- When do you want to eat dinner?
•   If the child does not choose, then you make the choice.
o DO- do you want to choose or do you want me to choose?
o If no response, okay I’ll choose for you.
•   Always use choices you are okay with and willing to follow through on.

Often when children feel they have a sense of power and control they do not reach for it in other places. By providing choices throughout the day you give them that sense of power while teaching them they are capable of making choices. If you are interested in learning more about what Love and Logic® based parenting is and if it may be right for your family give me a call at 417-413-4434.