Tiny Takeaways - The Power of "I choose"

One of my favorite tools is "I choose..." 

It’s simple and it works!

In the playroom, I will call a timeout if I need a break. Kids will often hear me say, "I'm an old lady, I choose to take a break and get a sip of water." This models healthy boundary-setting and lets them know that:

• Grownups have needs too 
• It’s okay to take care of yourself 
• Boundaries can sound kind and clear 

This is especially helpful for our kids who are sensitive to rejection!

Even better, invite your child to try it. When they’re struggling or stuck, you can offer:

• “You get to choose. Do you want to build with blocks or color?”
• “It’s okay to say, ‘I choose to play by myself right now.’”
• “If you don’t want a hug, you can say, ‘I choose a high-five instead.’”

It gives kids a sense of agency, helps them listen to their own voice, and is one of the basic building blocks of self-advocacy. 

Try this:

Practice using “I choose” to name small boundaries or preferences. Let your child hear you do it, then invite them to try it too!