When it comes to raising children, parents try their best and give in their all. In the process, they often lay stringent rules and guidelines for their children to follow. But is it always the best way out?
While parents always have their children’s best interests in mind while designing their everyday routine, we at Excelsior American School, one of the top schools in Gurgaon, firmly believe this is not a very healthy way of raising independent kids. Every child should be given age-appropriate freedom to make certain choices. It can help kids learn the importance of freedom and prepare them to make conscious and healthy choices as they grow old.
When you endow your children with the power of choice, you make them capable of independently navigating their life’s challenges, enabling them to lead a good life. If you want to teach your kids proven ways of making the right choices, this guide can help you get started. So, let’s quickly delve in without any further ado.
Ways to Let Children Make Healthy Choices
All parents want their children to grow as independent and highly successful individuals, but they often lack the right guidance to bring this desire into reality. So, to make it easier for you, we at Excelsior American School are sharing three tips below, which are easy to follow and highly practical.
- Balancing Responsibility and Freedom
Before you begin giving your little ones the right to make their own choices, ensure they are well aware of the family’s values and safety considerations. This knowledge will help them make choices that align with the family’s values. Children should also be taught about the responsibilities that come with making their own choices. Make sure they are aware of all the consequences and benefits associated with it so that they are in a good position to make informed decisions.
- Age-Appropriate Decision Making
We have seen that many parents resist giving their children the liberty to make their own choices because they fear that children might misuse it or make ill-informed choices that can harm them in the long run. It is where age-appropriate decision-making comes into the picture.
For instance, if your kid is too small, begin giving them the freedom to choose a meal or wear the clothes they like. It can also be something as simple as designing their own study schedule. The key is to encourage them to make small choices for themselves that elevate their self-confidence without causing any harm.
- Create a Safe Environment
If your kids have always followed your instructions or looked up to you for even the smallest decision-making, they may find it challenging to make their own decisions in the beginning. To encourage kids without making them feel overwhelmed, begin by establishing a safe environment at home – An environment where open communication is encouraged and non-judgemental discussions are made.
This environment will help nurture them to the core, empowering them to explore different options for a given situation. As a parent, you can also start asking your little ones about their choices regarding food, clothes, study schedule, games selection, outdoor activities, etc. This way, they will gradually start evaluating their own options and feel equipped to make choices for themselves.
Why Should Parents Endow Their Children with the Power of Choice?
A harsh truth we all need to realize is that no matter how much we want, we cannot stay with our loved ones forever. Likewise, it is next to impossible for parents to stay with their children 24*7 to make the right decisions on their behalf. It is where endowing them with the power of choice comes into the picture.
When you teach your kids to make the right decisions themselves, it won’t just help make them independent but also foster critical thinking in them. They will learn how to weigh the different options available to them before making the right decision.
This ability to analyze situations, solve problems, and make informed choices can help them grow in all aspects of their life. This is the reason why we at Excelsior American School, one of the top schools in Gurgaon, always advise parents to be the guiding light for their kids but refrain from making the decisions on their behalf. We’ve noticed that children who make their own decisions are more likely to grow into resilient individuals.
Conclusion
We live in a society where being only academically strong isn’t enough to survive and prosper. While education has its own importance, the right kind of education is the one that’s holistic – where children don’t just grow academically and intellectually but also grow in terms of morals, ethics, and crucial life skills. This is, in fact, the reason why education in the 21st-century world is so very different from how it used to be a decade back.
It is far more important for children today to be independent, resilient, and wise. One great way to instill these qualities is by teaching them to make their own decisions. This is an invaluable gift that can empower kids to navigate life’s complexities and grow as self-assured individuals. So, start by implementing the ways discussed in this article and watch your kids grow.
