Empowering Kids Through Choice: A Parent's Guide to Maintaining Control

June 10, 2025. Parenting in the Digital Age: Giving Kids Choices Without Losing Control. A new video by ImperfectLeeMom (@jessclee) is generating discussion about the best ways to give children choices while maintaining parental authority. The author, a mother of three, demonstrates how she manages this delicate balance with her toddler, two older daughters, and teenage daughter. "I give my kids choices while still having the control," she explains in the video. "With my toddler, it's things like, 'It's time to leave the park. Do you want to run to the car or do you want mommy to carry you?'" For her older daughters, the choices involve tasks like cleaning their rooms and showering, allowing them to decide the order. Her teenage daughter negotiates bedtime, earning an extra half-hour if she puts her phone away early. This structured approach allows children a sense of agency while ensuring responsibilities are met. The video's simple yet effective strategies resonate with many parents, highlighting the importance of balance and communication in modern parenting.