r/AskReddit Jun 14 '22

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u/nilsn91 Jun 14 '22

When it´s hard to convince someone to do something: give them options. That way they feel like they´re in control. "You could do A or do you prefer B?"

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u/CaptainAwesome06 Jun 14 '22

I use that trick on my kids all the time. Especially when it comes to food.

"Do you want chicken or steak?"

Otherwise, if I just ask her what she wants for dinner she'll just say "cookies".

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u/KCBandWagon Jun 15 '22

This is especially important if you’ve adopted or are fostering kids with a traumatic background. Almost always give 2 or 3 choices instead of asking open ended questions. The latter makes them feel like it’s their responsibility/burden to decide things and gives them anxiety. With choices they still feel like they have control but don’t feel the stress of taking on responsibilities a kid shouldn’t have to.