Children learn how to make decisions by making decisions, not by being told what to do.

In play, kids have the opportunity to create a world where their choices matter. They can make mistakes, choose revisions, experiment, and more. Think about a child making a block building. Can you even imagine how many decisions go into the creation?

Why do decision-making skills matter for your child?

Decision-making skills are crucial for your child because they lay the foundation for intelligent choices and problem-solving capabilities in the future. These skills also facilitate smoother social interactions, cooperative play and conflict resolution with peers. Nurturing decision-making skills early on instills confidence in your child.

Here are five ways to give young kids some decision-making power:

1. Choice of Clothing:

Allow your child to choose what they want to wear each day. You might lay out two or three options and let them select the one they prefer. This practice not only fosters decision-making but also encourages self-expression and a sense of responsibility.

2. Selecting Meals and Snacks:

Involve your child in planning meals or choosing snacks. Have them create a grocery list using pictures or invented spelling.

3. Choosing Activities and Play:

Allow your child to decide how they want to spend their free playtime. Whether it’s drawing, building with blocks, or playing outside, let them choose.

4. Participating in Household Tasks:

Give them chores. Engaging in chores fosters a sense of contribution and responsibility while allowing them to feel like a valuable part of the family. See this post on what’s appropriate and how to implement chores for young kids.

5. Making Decisions About Books and Stories:

During storytime, let your child choose which book to read. You might also encourage them to make up parts of the story or decide what a character should do next. Try pausing while reading and experimenting!

Tips for Giving Kids Decision-Making Power:

Limit Options: Too many choices can be overwhelming. Offer two or three options to keep it manageable and decision-making positive.
Respect Their Choices: Even if their choices seem unconventional or impractical, respect their decisions as much as possible to build confidence.
Consistency: Be consistent in providing choices and respecting their decisions to foster a secure and empowering environment

It’s important for kids to get good at making decisions early on. Engaging in play and having a say in daily little choices helps them practice this valuable skill, building their confidence to face life’s big and small challenges.