What is the best strategy for engaging a child who often responds negatively to questions?

Providing limited options to encourage participation is particularly effective with children who often respond negatively to questions. This strategy helps create a structured environment where the child feels a sense of agency while also feeling secure and less overwhelmed. By offering two or three choices, the child is empowered to make a decision, which can reduce feelings of frustration or defensiveness that often accompany open-ended questions. This approach also fosters engagement by channeling the child's energy into making a choice rather than reacting negatively to an imposed question.

Offering limited options respects the child's autonomy, which can also lead to increased investment in the activities chosen. This engagement can help build a positive rapport and encourage the child to feel more comfortable expressing themselves. In contrast, more rigid strategies that involve directing the child without choice or giving strict instructions can lead to increased resistance and a lack of cooperation, making it more difficult to foster positive interactions. Allowing personal space without guidance may not provide enough structure for the child who is struggling with negative responses, and this can lead to disengagement. Thus, the option of providing limited choices strikes a balance between structure and autonomy, making it the most effective strategy in this context.