Most kids have a natural defensiveness about being told what to do. A great way to help diffuse this nature is to give them choices. Sometimes they just need to be told what to do, but other times choices can be a great way to give them ownership on how they handle situations. Here are some things to consider when giving choices:

• Only give them options you are okay with them picking.
• If they don’t choose, you do. No need for a count down or wait time. You give the choices, they don’t choose, you choose for them. 
• Follow through on the choice.