We can’t escape the fact that as parents, we believe we know what’s best for our children.
As a result, allowing our young children to make their own decisions can be one of the most difficult things for us parents to do.
However, many parents fail to recognise that dictating what our children should do all of the time causes them to rely on us too much, resulting in a lack of independence and a fear of making mistakes.
A great deal of research has been conducted to investigate the impact of teaching children decision-making skills from an early age.
According to Psychology Today, one of the most important skills for your children to develop to become healthy and mature adults is decision making.
Allowing your child to make a choice validates his worth, gives him ownership, and empowers him.
Giving our children options does not imply that we are allowing them to run the show or endangering their health.
It simply means that we should let the children make age-appropriate decisions because as they do so, they learn about the consequences of their choices, whether good or bad.
Furthermore, there are seven advantages to teaching your children to make their own decisions, as listed below.
Builds Confidence and Independence
Allowing your children to make decisions in minor situations, such as selecting which healthy snacks they want to eat or which clothes they want to wear, will make them feel important.
It’s also crucial to always encourage your little ones to make their own decisions without ridiculing them.
You’ll realise that as time passes, they’ll gain confidence and independence in their decision-making abilities.
Teaches Responsibility
As we all know, not all decisions are made in the best interests of the individual. There will be times when your children will make a poor decision (we all do!).
For example, they might select a snack that doesn’t taste particularly good or a toy that they don’t truly enjoy playing with.
Whatever it may be, it will aid in teaching your children to learn from their mistakes.
As a result, they will be more responsible the next time to make better choices, having learned that not all decisions have positive outcomes.
Decisions Promotes Creativity
Encouraging your children to make decisions in their own space may foster creativity and encourage abstract thinking.
One approach is to encourage them to participate in arts and crafts while also allowing them to choose the type of activity they want to do.
When your kids have the freedom and liberty to choose the resources to convey their ideas, they’ll be more engaged in their work, which will ultimately boost their creativity.
Feeling Important Making Decisions
Everyone in the family wants to feel like they play an important role and have something to contribute.
Making your children feel important and that they matter is as simple as ensuring that their voices are heard by the family.
This could include allowing them to choose which family-friendly movie to watch, which flavour ice cream to buy at the grocery store, or where to go on a family day out.
Include them in simple decision-making tasks so they understand their value and that they are a part of the family.
Nurture Problem-Solving Skills
When we make mistakes, we are forced to figure out how to solve them and make them better.
The same holds for your children.
Assume your kids wanted to pour juice into the cup on their own. They may not make it the first time and will most likely spill all over the counter.
What options do they have?
Teach them that spilled juice can be cleaned up with a paper towel and that it can be avoided the next time if they pour carefully and stop before it reaches the top.
This is just one example; there will be many more as they grow, and it is your responsibility to be there for them when they make mistakes and work together to find solutions.
Decisions Provides Delight
Don’t you just love the look on your kids’ faces when you let them choose something they like?
You wouldn’t trade the cheerful and glowing face for anything else.
Aside from giving them the delights of choosing what activities they get to do, such as what movie to watch at the cinema or which book to read during bedtime story, you’ll feel good as parents because you’re able to bring joy to your young kids.
Encourages Self-Discovery
The decision-making process is never simple, and it changes as the children grow older.
Making decisions and learning what they like and dislike will help your kids discover who they are as individuals.
Even as adults, we have difficulty distinguishing between the two, so giving your children the opportunity to learn at a young age may benefit them in the long run.
Inspire Your Children to Be Good Decision-Makers
Letting your children make their own choices doesn’t mean abandoning them. It is impractical to give your children complete decision-making authority.
Instead, start by gradually teaching them decision-making skills based on their age and maturity.
In that sense, they will be able to comprehend and collaborate more effectively.
Begin with something simple when they are around two or three years old, and gradually increase the number of options available to them as they grow older.
You want them to understand that with each decision made, they are responsible for the consequences of their choices.
Nonetheless, you should be able to veto decisions only when necessary and without mocking your children.
You’ve got this, parents!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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