Our Non-Decision Maker

A general rule of thumb when raising kids is "Give them choices whenever you can".  In our house, that is NOT a rule any longer.  Why?  Because we have a kiddo who is RIDDLED with anxiety about every little choice.  When she goes through transitions, it gets worse, like right now when school is starting.  She thinks through the minute details of every choice, and it's overwhelming to her to think about choosing just one.  Example from this morning:

"Rory, what do you want for breakfast? We have waffles, pancakes, and toast."

"Do we have bagels?"

"No, we finished them yesterday."

"I like waffles but sometimes they don't fill me up... I like pancakes but we only have one left... Maybe I could put peanut butter on them...Or have some fruit with it...Do you know what Dad packed in my lunch?...Mom, I just don't KNOW!!!"

Mommy, realizing the need to simplify ... "OK, I'll make it easier. I'm making you toast.  I'm putting peanut butter on one piece. You let me know what you want on the second piece, butter or peanut butter."

She eats the piece with peanut butter, then spends 5 minutes agonizing over the decision about the other piece of toast.  I can't even remember what she ended up choosing, but it's sad/maddening to see how distraught she gets.  The combination of being bright (can see all the angles and details of every option) and being Jewish (high-anxiety kid) is NOT doing this kid any favors!!! :)

I won't even tell you about the 30 minutes it took for her to choose what to wear! OY!