The article starts by illustrating how children's right to participation comes to the fore in legal documents regulating the field of early childhood education in Norway. Issues regarding the views of children, understanding of democracy and of play, which influence how this right is realised in early childhood practice, are taken as a point of departure to discuss possible pitfalls. Based on analyses from an in-depth qualitative study in two Norwegian kindergartens (children aged three to six), two examples are presented to argue an understanding of children's participation which include more than individualistic choice routines. The article is rounded off by taking a critical look at conceptualisations used in early childhood practice and research, arguing that there is a need for critical self- reflection amongst researchers in the field. (Contains 4 notes.)