All parents make decisions about their children’s life when they are young. As children get older, however, they may have more opinions about their life and may want to make decisions for themselves independently.
Content tab block
Conversation Starters
We’re going to the GP for a check-up today. It’s important to check in with the doctor to make sure you’re healthy. Have you got any questions you want to ask the doctor today?
I’m putting the grocery list together. What dinner should we have on Monday? The choices are spaghetti bolognese or stir fry.
You decided to not take a jumper to school today, did you feel cold? How did being cold make you feel? What can you do next time so you don’t feel cold?
Strategies for you to try
Build your child’s decision-making skills by giving them opportunities in their everyday life to make small decisions. This can be as simple as choosing to wear a red or blue t-shirt or what they would like to have for breakfast. Gradually offer your child choices that increase in complexity as they become more comfortable with decision making. This will help them to feel more comfortable saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to things they do or do not want to do
Involve your child in their healthcare. You can do this by asking health professionals to address your child directly during appointments and asking your child for their approval or input on different things throughout the appointment. For example, ‘Do you think that sounds good?’ or ‘Do you want a red or blue bandage?’ This gives your child confidence in dealing with health professionals and allows them to be an active participant in their health care
Ask your health care providers and support organisations for accessible information and encourage your child to ask questions. Your child should learn about their disability, health conditions and support needs so that they can make informed decisions as they get older
Contact an advocacy agency if you would like extra advice and information on supporting your child’s decision making in a health setting
Reachout.com
