There are a number of ways parents can help children improve their ability to consciously make wise decisions.
l Help the child clarify the problem that is creating the need for a decision.
l Brainstorm the possible solutions.
l Allow the child to choose one of the solutions only after fully considering the consequences.
l Later join the child in evaluating the results of that parti- cular solution.
l Develop a positive approach to providing structure for your child. All kids and teens need to accept responsibility for their behaviour.
l Teach children to change their demands to preferences, highlighting that there is no reason they must get everything they want and that they need not feel angry either.
l Encourage your children to ask for what they want assertively, pointing out that there is no guarantee that they will get it.
l Let children know they create and are responsible for any feeling they experience.
l Encourage your children to develop hobbies and interests which give them pleasure, fulfillment and a sense of independence.
l Let children settle their own disputes between siblings and friends alike.
l Help children learn to cope with teasing by ignoring it while using positive self-talk
l Help children learn to focus on their own strengths, talents and uniqueness.
l Help your children to consider alternative options and possibilities, rather than depending upon one.
l Laugh with your children and encourage them to laugh at themselves. - Child Development Info
Your child can be a lot wiser
There are a number of ways parents can help children improve their ability to consciously make wise decisions.
l Help the child clarify the problem that is creating the need for a decision.
l Brainstorm the possible solutions.
l Allow the child to choose one of the solutions only after fully considering the consequences.
l Later join the child in evaluating the results of that parti- cular solution.
l Develop a positive approach to providing structure for your child. All kids and teens need to accept responsibility for their behaviour.
l Teach children to change their demands to preferences, highlighting that there is no reason they must get everything they want and that they need not feel angry either.
l Encourage your children to ask for what they want assertively, pointing out that there is no guarantee that they will get it.
l Let children know they create and are responsible for any feeling they experience.
l Encourage your children to develop hobbies and interests which give them pleasure, fulfillment and a sense of independence.
l Let children settle their own disputes between siblings and friends alike.
l Help children learn to cope with teasing by ignoring it while using positive self-talk
l Help children learn to focus on their own strengths, talents and uniqueness.
l Help your children to consider alternative options and possibilities, rather than depending upon one.
l Laugh with your children and encourage them to laugh at themselves. - Child Development Info