Providing kids with options is a tricky thing. On one hand, we want them to grow toward wise decision making, and as parents, we won’t be able to do that if we don’t give them an increasing number of opportunities to make their own decisions. On the other hand, though, we’re the adults and are far more capable of making wise decisions. Let’s look at some guiding principles regarding giving kids options and then look at one way to apply those ideas to the decision of bedroom furniture.
The Anxiety of Choice
Kids who struggle with anxiety may have difficulty making decisions, but even those who don’t naturally struggle can easily feel unnecessary pressure when faced with either significant choices or too many choices. Those who tend to lean this way may feel unnecessary pressure to make the right choice, along with regret over not choosing the alternative. Both the situation of having to make a choice and the result of it ends up feeling overwhelming. To them, a choice can actually feel like a loss.
In American society, we have more options than any culture throughout history. Along with instant access to all kinds of entertainment and products, we are certainly spoiled — but even adults can be overwhelmed with the many choices available to them.
The Authority of Choice
Some kids really don’t struggle with the anxiety that can accompany decision-making, but they may feel a heightened sense of authority. While increasing autonomy can be a good, empowering feeling, it can also become problematic, especially in young children.
One author discusses her journey of guiding her daughter from a place in which her daughter threw tantrums whenever she did not get her way to where she could accept the fact that many choices were made for her. Only then could she appreciate the exceptional opportunity to make a choice about what she wanted to eat, wear, or do.
The Opportunity for Ownership
I’m guessing you didn’t let your preschooler give any input about the last vehicle you purchased. Or your new hairdo or winter coat. Those things are yours. But if you’re purchasing bedroom furniture for your child, it makes sense to allow your child to participate in the choice of collection or individual pieces, if not both.
Depending on your child’s age, you can use this opportunity for developing problem-solving skills. For instance, you’ll want to consider the bedroom size and layout and may have a budget or other specific parameters in view. You may choose to limit selections to a few choice collections and let your child choose from those. (If you’re shopping at the Bedroom Source in Long Island, you can be assured that any options will be high-quality, safe, beautiful furniture that will last your child through his teenage years or even beyond.)
Ultimately, in answer to the question of whether you should let your kids choose their own bedroom furniture, the choice is ultimately yours. However, when kids get to choose things like their own furniture, they may be more likely to protect it, keep it clean, and appreciate it just a little more.
From the Bedroom Source blog
- Making Your Child’s Bedroom Conducive to a Good Night’s Sleep
- Raising Kids That Give
- Keys To Effective At-Home Study Time
The Bedroom Source
Located near the Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, NY, The Bedroom Source is your source for the best collection of children’s and teen bedroom furniture. From flexibly configurable Maxtrix furniture to fashionable Berg collections, The Bedroom Source offers high end furniture and professional design assistance to create the bedroom of your child’s dreams.
Contact the friendly staff at The Bedroom Source by calling (516) 248-0600 or by visiting www.BedroomSource.com. We’re a local family owned mom & pop store. When you shop with us, you’re dealing directly with the owners. We professionally assemble everything we sell. We deliver to Long Island, the 5 Boroughs of New York City, Rockland, southern Connecticut, and northern New Jersey.
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