A five-step process can help your child make better decisions
Children have to make a lot of decisions every day. So it’s important that they learn to make responsible ones. Encourage your child to follow this simple five-step decision-making process:
Assess the situation. Your child can’t make a wise decision if the issue at hand is confusing. To help clearly define the problem, suggest that your child consider, “What’s the main thing I’m concerned about?”
Explore options. What are some ways to handle the problem? Have your child make a mental list, then narrow it down to the three most sensible choices. This list-making step is critical because it illustrates that there are usually more than two options for solving a problem.
Consider the disadvantages. Have your child think about the cons of each choice. If a certain option has a particularly negative consequence, this is a good time to rule out that option.
Consider the advantages. Have your child think about the pros of each choice. Does one option have major advantages over others?
Decide on a solution. After weighing the pros and cons of each possible option, your elementary schooler can make a well-thought-out decision with confidence.
Reprinted with permission from the October 2024 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2024 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc.