Do you want syrup all over the pancakes or on the side? Do you want to play in the living room or the garden? Would you like water or milk? Do you want to pick up your toys or get a time-out? You get the idea.
Sam usually takes the two options very seriously. He considers them, mulls them over, really thinks about which of the two options would be best. It's not uncommon that we have to say, "Sam. Answer."
"I'm thiiiinking," he'll reply.
The limited-option-method has worked like a charm since Sam was two years old. Now that Ruth is talking two year old, I find myself doing the same thing with her. Except with Ruth, it usually plays out a bit differently.
"Ruth, do you want syrup all over your pancakes or on the side?"
"Umm, white sugar."
"Ruth, do you want to play in the living room or the garden?"
"The park."
"Do you want water or milk?"
"Juice."
"Do you want to pick up your toys or get a time-out?"
"You pick them up, Mommy."
You get the idea.
You see, I understand Sam. For personalities like ours, two options are more than enough and already present a tough enough decision. And plus, we trust the rules and the limits. For Ruth, there are no limits and there is no box. And although it can frustrate me to no end, deep down I admire that about her personality already. She understands that in this life, there are way more than just two options.
