Teaching Kids the Power to Choose

Kids like the power to choose. Whether the snack they get to have or the TV show they get to watch, kids want to have a say in things. I often recall their need for control when on the edge of a power struggle with my 5 year old. He wants to wear his blue sneakers, but I know the gray ones go better with his pants. But does it really matter? In those moments I remember I have the ability to give him a little power and teach him about choices.

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Choices start small for kids – be it what clothes and shoes they will wear or what they will eat at snack time. But as children grow, their choices become more and more important to their growth, well-being and relationships. Teaching kids about the power of their choices when they are young will set them up for success in life.

As we learn together about the power of our choices, the kids and I have been reading a delightful book, Your Magnificent Chooser by John Ortberg. This beautiful picture book teaches kids about the magnificent power of their choices and how to use them well. Through rhyming text and beautiful illustrations, Ortberg guides children through a fun and thought-provoking lesson on the power of their choices.

We found these important lessons throughout Your Magnificent Chooser (and you may find more!):

1. Your Magnificent Chooser is the power to choose.
2. Your choices are important. They put actions to what you know and feel.
3. The best way to use your choices is to choose to love.
4. God wants you to always choose what Jesus would choose.
5. When you get stuck, God will help you. After all, he knows a lot about choosing.

I want my kids to learn to choose wisely so they can grow into responsible, respectable young people and adults. The success of each choice gives them the power to choose well the next time and the next, eventually leading them to walk in wisdom and maturity.

But they don’t choose alone. They have a Helper available to guide their choices. And though he is the best Chooser of all, he gives us freedom to choose for ourselves, with his help.

I’m so thankful our Helper also guides me as I lead my children along their journey of choice. He helps us mamas learn when to let go of our power and give our children the chance to get to know their Magnificent Chooser.

Whenever you’re stuck

And your mind fills with doubt,

You can just pray to God,

And He’ll come help you out.

Your Magnificent Chooser, John Ortberg

Friends, are you teaching your kids about choosing well? How are you leading them to get to know their Magnificent Chooser?

Grab Your Magnificent Chooser on Amazon! (affiliate link)

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