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Best Practices: The Miracle of Choices

By Mary Tedrow

Ever heard a simple truth? They’re easy to spot. Something about the simplicity is appealing and the statement sounds, well, just right. I heard one of these truths when I was at home with two small children. A television psychologist advised against asking newly independent two-year-olds a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question. At that age, the answer is always “NO!”

His strategy: Instead of asking “Do you want to go outside?” try “Do you want to go out the front door or the back door?”

It was brilliant—and simple! Just by offering a choice between two equally acceptable answers, the two-year-old asserts his coveted independence and contemplates the options. And, best of all, he’s outside before he knows it. Unfortunately, it was years before the miracle of choice became my preferred tool for...