22mo–3y12 minFamily timeFree playQuiet time
Two Choices, One Time
A gentle choice-and-consequence routine where you helps your child choose between two appealing options, then supports understanding that choosing one means saving the other for later.
What you'll need
Essentials
- two choices that are both acceptable (e.g., two games, two books, two snacks, or two songs)
- a small container or shelf spot to place the 'save for later' option
Nice to have
- a simple visual marker (a cloth/napkin) to cover the saved item
- a phone timer (optional)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneCalms with adult helpHeart· 20mo–3.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneDemonstrates sense of self as an individual, e.g. wants to do things independently, says “No” to adult.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Beginning to recognise danger and seeks support of significant adults for help.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Helps with clothing, e.g. puts on hat, unzips zipper on jacket, takes off unbuttoned shirt.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Clearly communicates their need for potty or toilet.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Drinks well without spilling.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Feeds self competently with spoon.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Talk to children about choices they have made, and help them understand that this may mean that they cannot do something else.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)