What's your number one question about personal development?


Empower Your Parenting: The Importance Of Including Your Child In Decision-Making Processes

By Jose Lizama

Updated on Monday 29th of May 2023

What's your number one question about self-improvement?


As a parent, it's only natural to want the best for your child. You want to ensure that they have all the tools necessary to succeed in life and make the right choices along the way. However, sometimes our instinct to protect our children can lead us down the path of control and ultimately do more harm than good.

When we make decisions for our children without taking their wants and needs into account, we’re not only robbing them of their autonomy but we’re also stunting their growth. Children who aren't given the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes can develop a lack of self-confidence and struggle to make decisions for themselves later in life.

On the other hand, when we include our children in decision-making processes, we're not only strengthening their self-confidence, but we're also helping them to develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.

One of the best ways to incorporate this philosophy into your parenting style is to start by asking for your children's input and feedback. For instance, when making family plans, asking your children what activities they would like to participate in can make a significant difference in how they view the event and their level of enjoyment.

When children feel like their input is valued, they are more likely to feel respected and empowered. This, in turn, enhances their motivation to participate in future events and activities. This invaluable sense of agency can help children make more informed, independent decisions and nurture a healthy sense of self.

The good news is, there are many ways to involve your children in decision-making processes. From simple choices such as what to have for dinner to more complex decisions like which school to attend, you can find creative ways to include your child's input and make them feel like valued members of the family.

Just imagine, how empowering it would feel for your child to know that their voice matters, their opinions count, and that they’re a significant part of the decision-making process. This support and encouragement can work wonders for their self-esteem and instil a sense of security and empowerment that stays with them.

In conclusion, when we respect our children's autonomy and involve them in decision-making, we create a more nurturing environment for them to grow and develop. By nurturing a healthy sense of self in our children, they will be more likely to develop essential life skills that will help them succeed in whatever path they follow. Remember, the "My kids want to be invited to participate instead of getting things done to them" philosophy should be the cornerstone of your parenting approach, and you'll surely see positive results in your children's development and growth.

Read Also

Comments

Comment on this article:










Comment Guidelines:

All comments are moderated before publication and must meet our guidelines. Comments must be substantive, professional, and avoid self promotion. Moderators use discretion when approving comments.

For example, comments may not:

  • Contain personal information like phone numbers or email addresses
  • Be self-promotional or link to other websites
  • Contain hateful or disparing languate
  • Use fake names or spam content

Your privacy is important to us. Check out our Privacy Policy