37 Fun and Low-Risk Choices

If your parts aren’t used to being able to make choices, playful, low-pressure choices are a good place to start. These moments also give your system opportunities to share positive experiences together, something many trauma survivors have had far too few of.

Entertainment

• Should we watch Movie A or Movie B tonight?
• Should we play board game A or board game B?
• Should we color or play with Legos?
• Which sticker would you like to choose today?
• Should we read this book or that book?
• Would you rather watch a comedy, a mystery, or a nature documentary?
• Would you prefer to read a book, watch YouTube, or play a game?

Food

• Would you like chocolate or vanilla ice cream?
• Should we go to McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
• Which is better: pancakes or waffles?
• Should we eat outside or inside?
• Which fun-size candy bar would you like from this mix?
• Would you rather have pizza, tacos, or spaghetti?

“Kid” Choices

These are especially nice for younger parts.

• Which stuffed animal comes with us? (Provide 2 or 3 choices)
• Should we eat _____ or _______ for a snack?
• Which playground should we visit? ______ or _______

Miscellaneous

• Should we eat by candlelight or with regular lights?
• Would you like the window opened or closed?
• Should we go the usual way or a new way?
• Should we take a bath or a shower tonight?

Music

• Should we listen to playlist A or playlist B?
• Should we listen to Spotify or the radio?
• Which is better: country, rock music, or rap?

Nature

• Which is better: sunny weather or rainy weather?
• Should we watch the sunset or the stars?
• Would you rather watch fish in an aquarium or squirrels in trees?
• Should we go on a nature hunt to look for butterflies and animals?

Silly

• Would you rather have a pet dragon, a pet unicorn, or a pet dinosaur?
• Would you rather live in a treehouse, a castle, or a lighthouse?
• Would you rather fly, breathe underwater, or talk to animals?
• Would you rather be followed everywhere by ducks, squirrels, or butterflies?
• Would you rather have spaghetti hair, marshmallow shoes, or popcorn fingers?
• Would you rather travel to the past, the future, or another planet?
• Would you rather eat only breakfast foods, only soups, or only sandwiches for a week?
• Should we eat with our right or left hand at lunch?
• Should we wear matching socks or mismatched socks today?
• Should we talk with a French accent or a British accent today?

Where to go next

Your Questions, Answered (for members)
When should I give the other part choices vs. giving myself the choice?
This member-exclusive answer explores when it makes sense to offer choices to other parts, when it may be appropriate to make decisions yourself, and how to think about balancing both approaches.