Empowering Kids: Control and Choice Concepts Explained
- Mama Maja
- Dec 14, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 14
The Power of Control and Choice
As parents, we give our kids more than just love; we equip them with essential tools for navigating life. One of the most important skills we can teach them is understanding control and choice. This skill not only promotes emotional intelligence and resilience but also empowers them to become independent thinkers.
Every day, children encounter situations that require them to make decisions and adapt. Some choices are within their control, like picking out their favorite outfit or deciding to finish their homework. Other situations, such as the weather, classroom seating, or how their peers act, are completely out of their hands.
Helping kids grasp the difference between what they can control and what they can’t is crucial. This knowledge strengthens their problem-solving skills and reduces anxiety, allowing them to feel more confident and self-assured when they face challenges.
Practical Ways to Teach Control
So, you might be wondering: how can we effectively teach our kids about control and choice? Here are a few friendly strategies to get started:
Real-Life Discussions:
Use everyday scenarios as learning moments. Talk about situations in their daily lives where they have full, limited, or no control. For example, discuss how they can choose their attitude towards homework (something they can control) but can't dictate how much homework their teacher assigns (something they can’t control).
Encourage Conscious Choices:
Help them focus on the aspects they can influence. When faced with a situation they can’t change—like not being invited to a friend's birthday party—remind them that while they can’t control that decision, they can control their response. They can choose to feel upset but might also consider talking to their friend about their feelings or simply letting it go. It’s all about emphasizing that their reaction is in their hands!
Continuous Learning and Patience
Teaching our children about control and choice is an ongoing process, not just a one-time chat. It’s important to have regular conversations and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Show them that every little error is a chance to learn, and be patient as they figure it out.
Enter Charlie & Sokeetee: A Fun Learning Adventure
Children’s books are fantastic tools for imparting these important lessons. With vibrant illustrations and captivating stories, they naturally introduce concepts like control and choice to young minds.
In the first book of my series, Charlie & Sokeetee the Philosopher Cat, titled You Can Do It!, kids embark on a journey with Charlie as he learns to navigate life’s choices under the wise guidance of Sokeetee. Through entertaining tales, children can easily understand what they can control and what they can’t.
Teaching our kids about control and choice is vital for their emotional growth. By nurturing this understanding, we're helping them make informed decisions and manage their feelings when faced with life's ups and downs. Books like
Charlie & Sokeetee are not just fun; they’re invaluable tools for guiding children in this rewarding journey of learning!
Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive perks!
As a special bonus, when you sign up for my children's book
newsletter, you'll receive a FREE copy of You Can Do It!, the first book in my Charlie and Sokeetee the Philosopher Cat series!
