Choosing Together
Here's What To Do
Start by showing your child two choices, and sharing that you’re going to vote for the one they’d like to do.
Then ask your child to vote, giving them two options, such as reading a book, or playing with their blocks.
To help them understand voting, point to each choice, and have them raise their hand for the one they choose. Affirm their choice, and do the chosen activity.
Look for opportunities to provide your child with opportunities to vote for choices throughout the day – such as when choosing a food to eat, or which order to use for bedtime routines.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Close your eyes and breathe slowly in and out together and then practice raising your hand to vote.
Engage:
- "Let's vote! Do we want to read a book or play a game? You picked reading a book! We voted, and reading a book won! Yay!"
- "What do you think we should vote on next time?"
Encourage:
- "You raised your hand! You’re voting just like grown-ups do!"
- "It’s okay if you change your mind—we can try again next time!"
Reflect:
- "How did it feel to make a choice with a vote?"
Not quite ready?
Let your child choose by pointing instead of raising a hand. Say, "Point to the one you want!"
Ready for more?
Add a family vote! Ask siblings or caregivers to join, then count the votes together.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to freely participate in voting.